“We realized how important it is to connect, not just with each other, but with the broader community,” guild President Suad Bejtovic said. "Now, we're constantly looking for opportunities for either a pop-up show or a partner gallery or any event that we can be a part of."
The organization, made up of almost 300 members, was founded in 2001. It was recently recognized as champion of the arts during the 2023 Frisco Chamber of Commerce Gala. The guild aims to provide opportunities for local artists while cultivating public appreciation for visual arts, according to its website.
“Our mission is basically to connect local artists with local audiences,” Bejtovic said. “We want to make sure that the artists have an opportunity to show their art and that the audience has an opportunity to see.”
Bejtovic joined the guild as a member in 2019 and was elected president in 2021. He runs a photography business in Frisco while presiding over the guild’s board of directors.
The guild aims to accomplish its mission by partnering with local businesses to display art made by local artists, Bejtovic said. The guild sponsors shows made up of pieces by local artists that can be found in three businesses throughout Frisco: Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea, Frisco Dental Studio, and Texas Title.
In addition to hosting these shows, the guild organizes several events throughout the year meant to connect local artists with the community. Events include meet-and-greets with artists, monthly guild member meetings, the Frisco Arts 5K run and three seasonal art shows hosted at the Frisco Art Gallery.
The guild can be a “launching pad” for local artists, Bejtovic said.
“Artists end up getting more opportunities because they show in our shows and maybe they win an award in our shows,” he said. “They [can] go on to have a solo show at a gallery somewhere.”
Funding for the guild’s programs and events is provided through membership dues, donations, sponsorships and grants. Membership to the guild costs $45 a year and guarantees free art entry into all of the guild’s gallery shows, Bejtovic said.
Members can attend monthly meetings primarily held at The Gallery 8680 on Main Street. The meetings feature keynote speakers such as Frisco City Council Member Tammy Meinershagen, who spoke during April’s meeting on the intersection between public service and art. Guests can also attend and are encouraged to make a $10 donation at the door.
Community members can get involved by volunteering to help at any of the guild’s events, Bejtovic said. Volunteering offers opportunities for community members to connect with local artists, many of whom teach private lessons to people of all skills, he said.
“Buying and collecting art is another thing that we want to encourage people to do,” Bejtovic said. “Especially if it’s something that you find a connection with."
Upcoming events
On June 18, the guild will host a reception for “Artrageous,” its summer gallery show at the Frisco Art Gallery. Receptions are always free to the public and usually have refreshments and music in partnership with Melody of Hope, Bejtovic said.
May 15 - Visual Arts Guild of Frisco monthly meeting
7-9 p.m.
The Gallery 8680, 8680 Main St., Ste. E1
May 25 - Meet the artists of 'A Place to Call Home' exhibit
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Texas Title, 5858 Main St., Ste. 140
June 18 - 'Artrageous' exhibit reception
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Frisco Art Gallery (inside the Frisco Discovery Center), 8004 Dallas Parkway
Visual Arts Guild of Frisco
www.vagf.org
