Here's a link to download a PDF file of the Jan/Feb 09 Arts Scene

2008-2009 Board of Directors, front to back: Left - Pat Johnson, President; Dorothy Hage, Member at Large; Janet Amiri, Hillcrest Galleria Co-Curator; Elaine Williams, Member at Large, Co-Chair Thousand Oaks Arts Festival; Georgeanne Lees, Vice President; Rich Brimer, Director of Membership. Center - Margaret Travers, Recording Secretary, Pat Grant, Treasurer; Kathrin Raab-Questenberg, Director of Hospitality.  Right - Theodora Ilowitz, Member at Large; Connie Tunick, Hillcrest Galleria Co-Curator; Penny Macdonald, Historian and Parliamentarian; Michael Pearce, Director of Programming & Special Events.  Not pictured Gordon Durich, Director of Public Relations. (Photos by James E. Travers)

Dear ACCV Members and Supporters,

Greetings to you all!
The ACCV Board wishes all a bright 2009 with the hope for an improving economy and a world closer to peace.

This year is full of exciting and premier events. Starting in January is the current Galleria show – Common Threads, featuring fiber art in many forms including the loan from the Ventura County Museum of a tapestry by John Nava! He is the artist who created all of those magnificent tapestries at the Cathedral of the Angels in Los Angeles. We are most honored to be allowed to share his gift to you all. Please make it a point to join us at the reception on January 10th at 4PM and view this most anticipated show.

Later this year, on February 15th – mark this on your calendar – the Arts Council is inviting all member groups and donors to a “We love our Members Party”. Check you email and snail mail for your invitation!

On March 22nd 4 to 7PM, we are sponsoring an “Art Night” which will feature a double- decker bus (red, of course) to tour the various art venues in the Valley including the Civic Arts Plaza, the Galleria at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts, the TO Gallery in Newbury Park. At each stop there will be entertainment, wine and food - all for the cost of $35 per person. We have a limit on bus seats, so reserve early. Check our web site conejoarts.org to pay on line, or send a check to the Arts council office.

In April, the show for grades 8 thru 12 called “Hang with the Best” will feature all arts media done by Conejo students. This is always an eye-opener to me as the terrific work done by the kids totally amazes me.

Later this year, ACCV will host a Press Party for Non-profit art groups where representatives can present packets of their group’s activities. It will be set up like speed dating – where you have to say everything very succinctly! Also, we have a wonderful DVD explaining the Arts Council, done by the Video People, a non-profit video group, which will be available shortly for community organizations. If you are a member of the Kiwanis, Elks or other groups who would like to use it for one of your possible art projects, please let us know and a copy will be given to you

Lastly, we come to you for assistance – people who would like to work on a project – Art Night, Press Party, Hang with the Best, newsletter mailings-a few extra hands to help with the details of each of these projects would be wonderful. All of us on the Board have many irons in the fire, so it would be a great relief to share some of the details of these projects. Don’t hesitate, give a couple of hours. Who knows, new doors may open to you along with the satisfaction of knowing you had a hand in the promotion of culture in our Valley. Give us a call – don’t be shy!
Artfully yours,

Pat Johnson
President
Arts Council of the Conejo Valley -The Voice of the Arts

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Please help encourage artist to give

Here is a message from Mike Adams, whose father, Richard G. Adams, PhD, was the founding president of the Arts Council of the Conejo Valley back in 1969. Mike, a graduate of California Lutheran University and for many years responsible for the handsome graphics of all CLU publications, has an important message for the members of our community organizations, particularly those who include art auctions as a feature of your fundraising events. 

Most artists are generous people, but current tax law allows artist to only deduct the cost of materials and not the fair market value when they donate their work. This discourages artists from donating their art to non-profit organizations. Please help support legislation that is currently in the House of Representatives. 

Go to Mike’s blog for details and an easy link to your representative.  Forward this information to a friend, as well.  And while you are there he invites you to take a personal tour of his online art studio and gallery.

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