The original constitution of The National Arts Club is on file at the Archives of American Art in Washington, D.C.  Notice that at no time does the document envision the Club as an "educational" institution as has been emphasized recently during the
O. Aldon James/Steven U. Leitner administration.

It states:

The objects of the National Arts Club, as stated in its certificate of incorporation,
are "To promote the mutual acquaintance of art lovers and art workers in the United States; to stimulate and guide toward practical and artistic expression the artistic sense of the American people; to maintain in the city of New York a Clubhouse with such accommodation as shall fit for social purposes in connection with art; to provide proper exhibition facilities for such lines of art, especially applied and industrial art, as shall not be otherwise adequately provided for in the same city; and to encourage the publication and circulation of news, suggestions and discussion relating to the fine arts."

Preamble to the Original National Arts Club Constitution
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The Constitution was amended in 1961 to include as a purpose "education of the American people in the fine arts."  Please note the provisions concerning choosing of officers. Only 15 signatures were required to nominate a member for the Board of Governors. This was changed by the existing Board of Governors two years into the Aldon James/Steven Leitner administration in 1987.
(click here for link)
Only 15 signatures are required for a nomination.
Education in the fine arts was included as a purpose.