VAST sponsors two critique groups with a goal of providing members an opportunity for professional development. Participants may bring two pieces of art to each meeting for critique. These are open to any media. Critics are Millie Giles, Professor of Art at UNT, and Mark Smith, Professor of Art at Austin College in Sherman.  The Giles critique group meets on the fourth Saturday of each month September – May excluding December, and the Smith group meets on Friday mornings on a periodic basis.  Meetings are held at various members’ homes. There is a nominal fee for the sessions.

There are openings for membership in the Mark Smith group, and there are always opportunities to attend the Millie Giles group as a substitute. Contact Jackie Haugen ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 972.317.1546) if you are interested in the Giles group. Contact Deanna Wood ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 972.345.9968) if you are interested in the Smith group.