The Valley Artists Guild Presents the 2009 Gold Medal Exhibition At VIVA Gallery!
Exhibition Dates: April 8 - April 25, 2009

The 2009 Gold Medal Exhibition is featuring the paintings and sculpture of over fifty members of the Valley Artists Guild. Founded in 1948, the Valley Artists Guild is one of the most historic and dynamic art organizations in Los Angeles.

The Juror of Selection and Awards for this exhibition is artist and teacher, Quinton Bemiller. Bemiller holds an M.F.A. in Painting/Drawing and a B.F.A. with high honors.

This exhibit will pay special tribute to two members who have recently passed away. Erin Harnett Cezone In the last 23 years Erin painted more than 3,000 paintings in the style of her ancestor, William M. Harnett. With over 35 years of experience, Elinor Janis’ focus was watercolor and ink based on landscapes of the U.S. and Europe.
Reception: Sunday, April 19, 2009, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

VIVA Gallery, 13261 Moorpark Street, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423, 818-385-0080
Gallery Hours: Wed.- Fri: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sat.: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Valley Artists Guild, P.O. Box 16035, Encino, CA, 91416-6035

www.valleyartistsguild.org
www.vivagallery.org

Get Ready For April 15th

With the 2008 tax season deadline approaching, many people are scrambling to get their paperwork in order and may even need to file an extension: Here are some of the tax laws you may need to know:

• Medical Expenses - Deductible when paid
• Charitable Contributions - Make before December 31st
• May deduct mileage at 14 cents per mile
• Must have backup for non-cash contributions over $500.00
• May deduct up to $250,000 of new equipment for Federal purposes
• Cars are limited to $10,960 of depreciation in the first year
• Auto expenses
• May take either actual expenses or mileage at 50.5 cents per mile for January 1st - June 30th and 58.5 cents per mile for July 1st to December 31st
• SEP IRA limits up to 20% of income with a maximum contribution of $46,000
• Traditional IRA's up to $5,000 and if over age 50 up to $6,000 - May contribute up until April 15, 2009 for 2008 tax return
• Gifts - May give $12,000 tax free per person
  

For more information call David Marton at 805-497-2322.

SPECIAL EQUESTRIAN RIDING THERAPY RELOCATES TO MOORPARK

Special Equestrian Riding Therapy has moved to Classic Equestrian Center, a 24-acre ranch in Moorpark. SERT is a volunteer-based community organization that offers therapeutic equestrian programs to children and adults with special needs.

Riders come to experience this life-changing program that has been serving Los Angeles and Ventura Counties for over 21 years. The staff includes six instructors certified by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. Among SERT's clients are individuals with Attention Deficit Disorder, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Global Delay, Head/Brain Trauma, Impaired Vision, and Williams Syndrome.

Most riders come once or twice a week. They gain poise, posture, strength, flexibility, muscle control, balance, coordination, faster reflexes, better motor planning, confidence, as well as language and math skills. Breathing improves. Focus improves. They learn cooperation. They learn to listen to directions, assimilate information, perform tasks, combine procedures, and solve problems. They learn that they can control the horse and that they can control their bodies and their lives. The skills that they gain from their experience at SERT benefit them in all aspects of their daily lives. On horseback, many find that they are moving without the aid of a wheelchair for the first time.

Families report that their children have improved behavior, and increased confidence. For more about SERT, visit www.sert.org or call (805) 523-1244.