About Us
Organization
AVISTA is a scholarly organization founded in 1984 through the urging of the late Jean Gimpel (author of The Medieval Machine, The Cathedral Builders) and with the support of Lynn White, Jr. (author of Medieval Technology and Social Change). The articles of incorporation were written in January 1985 and sponsored sessions began at Kalamazoo in 1986. The society serves as an organization to promote the intersections of medieval art, craft, and technology. Our annual business meeting is held at the International Congress on Medieval Studies at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, where each May we sponsor up to a half dozen sessions on various themes.
AVISTA is a 501(c)3 organization, and was granted that status in 1985. Our tax identification number is 23-2336217. The public may view our tax returns by using the IRS database Exempt Organizations Select Check.
Directors
The Board of Directors is composed of 12 members serving staggered 3-year terms. The executive committee consists of the President, one or two Vice Presidents, the Treasurer, Secretary, Publications Director, and two members of the Board of Directors.
Bylaws
AVISTA is run as a formal, not-for-profit organization, governed by a Board of Directors and an Executive Committee according to the bylaws herein given.
Financial Reports
The treasurer’s reports may be found here.
Purpose
The purpose of the organization is to study and make known works in art, architecture, and technology of the Middle Ages in honor of the medieval craftsman who worked in these fields. The members of AVISTA come from many different fields and countries, but all share a belief in the importance of reaching across boundaries. Interdisciplinary studies are central to AVISTA’s purpose. The members of AVISTA study, research, and teach in many different fields, including art, architecture, construction, engineering, forestry, geometry, literature, mathematics, medicine, metallurgy, military technology, numismatics, science, and the technology of everyday life.