A number of Guild members may be confused about the relationship between Southern Appalachian Artist Guild (SAAG) and the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association (The Art Center). Here is how the relationship works:
The Art Center was formed in 1979 by 200 Charter Members, mostly local Blue Ridge and Fannin County citizens. The initial impetus for the formation of The Art Center was a desire to have an artist-in-residence program for the public school system: hence the traditionally close relationship between the schools and The Art Center. In 1991, The Art Center achieved non-profit status on its own and became a 501(c)3 organization.
The Art Center has been an “incubator” for the arts in this area. Arts in the Park is the longest running event initiated by The Art Center. The Blue Ridge Theater was begun as part of The Art Center and left to form its own 501(c)3. The writers group and events like the Writers Conference, the carving group and others have been formed by The Art Center and continue to operate under The Art Center umbrella.
Sarah Verner, Executive Director of The Art Center, called a meeting of interested artists in the summer of 2007 to explore the possibility of forming an artists’ guild that would operate under the “umbrella” of The Art Center and the rest is history! SAAG has grown from about 30 interested artists to our present membership of approximately 150 artists. As part of The Art Center, SAAG enjoys rent-free meeting space in The Art Center, gallery space, exhibit opportunities, free or low cost administrative support, shared publicity, as well as, all the advantages of tax exempt status. A partnership agreement governs the relationship. Because the Guild is part of The Art Center, The Art Center Board has ultimate responsibility for activities of SAAG and, therefore, approval authority for all SAAG activities. The Art Center establishes a separate checking account for SAAG and the SAAG Treasurer and Executive Committee manage funds in this account. SAAG events, like the GAHA, the Spring Member Show and the National Juried Show are funded by entry fees and member fees. All expenses are paid by SAAG. Partnership withThe Art Center reduces the cost of these events through free use of gallery facilities, free or reduced cost printing expense, use of The Art Center staff to man the gallery and handle sales, use of The Art Center credit card processing to handle SAAG sales, shared promotion and calendaring of events in regional media and more.
An artist can belong to The Art Center and have the privilege of selling in the galleries, as well as, participating in the Holiday Show and sale. Membership in SAAG brings the added privileges of participating in SAAG exhibits, educational events, receiving the SAAG newsletter and interim notices of exhibition, sale or educational opportunities. The networking of SAAG members has proven to be one of the major advantages of membership.
Operating SAAG independently would greatly increase the cost of operation and present numerous problems. SAAG strengthens The Art Center and The Art Center greatly facilitates operation of SAAG. 
This is a win-win for both organizations. 