february members' memo

Hello friends!

Here are a few quick updates!

1 -- Guild Event - field trip! (a members-only benefit)
Saturday, March 11 at 10 am
Guild Field Trip
We will tour the Lyndon House in Athens
If you're a current MWCA Member, you're invited!

Join us on a short trip to Athens to see the 48th annual Juried Exhibition on Saturday, March 11th.
We'll carpool from MWCA leaving at 10:00am and arrive at the Lyndon House around 10:30am. Feel free to meet us there if you choose.
After the exhibit we will enjoy lunch together in Athens.
Please email Juli to RSVP so we can coordinate as many details as possible ahead of time.

More info on the exhibit - https://www.accgov.com/10239/47th-Juried-Exhibition

**RSVP by emailing our Guild Chair, Juli Tredwell -- [email protected]  -- by March 9.**

2 -- CURRENTLY IN THE GALLERY: Elementary Student Art Show
The happiest show of the year is here!  Come see our Elementary Student Art Show featuring public and private schools in our county!  
 This show is open through March 16.  
You're invited to the closing reception to honor the artists on 3/16 from 6-7:30pm.
Atha Road Elementary
George Walton Academy
Harmony Grove Elementary
Loganville Christian Academy
Loganville Elementary
Monroe Elementary
Walnut Grove Elementary
Youth Elementary
Sharon Elementary will be installed on Sunday

3 -- MARCH CLASSES AND EVENTS
Our MARCH calendar is updated with 70+ classes & events!!
https://www.monroewaltonarts.org/calendar.html
Our next Saturday Soiree is set for March 11!

4 -- Volunteer!
If you're interested in volunteering, please email our volunteer chair, Lori Volk: [email protected]

5 -- A new way to support local arts ...
ASK YOUR TAX ADVISOR ABOUT THESE SPECIAL TAX BENEFITS OF DONATING TO MWCA:
At any age, because MWCA is a 501 (c) (3) organization, donations can usually be treated as charitable deductions on your tax return.
 
QCD
If you’re 70-1/2 or older, you can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) by donating up to $100,000 per tax year directly from your traditional Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to charities - without adding to your taxable income – and receive significant tax savings even if you don’t itemize.
If you’re age 72 or older, QCD’s also count toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD). You cannot keep retirement funds in your account indefinitely. You generally have to start taking withdrawals from your IRA, SIMPLE IRA, SEP IRA, or retirement plan account when you reach age 72. Your required minimum distribution is the minimum amount you must withdraw from your account each year and include in your income. QCD’s can be used to partially or completely satisfy the requirement, but are not added to taxable income.
DONATING STOCK
Monroe-Walton Center for the Arts is also able to accept transfers of stock as donations. If you give securities such as stock or mutual funds, you might avoid capital gains.
As always, you should consult with your tax advisor before making any of these described donations.
THANK YOU to our supporters!

6 -- 2023 NATURE MEETS ART Garden Tour
Saturday, May 6 from 10am - 4pm
Rain or shine event!
Five local gardens on tour to inspire and motivate you!  We will showcase a little something for everyone whether you're an experienced gardener or a newbie ... or have a large garden or an intimate in-town space.

• ADVANCE sales to members only: March 25 - April 1 ($25 early bird price - be sure to get your ticket early as we may sell out!)
• Early Bird ticket sales open to the public on April 2 -- Early bird price from April 2 - 22
• Full price tickets ($30) April 23 - May 6 (until we sell out)
• Links and more information will be posted on March 25

Volunteers are needed, too:
Garden Greeters
Plein Air Painters and Garden Musicians  
If you are interested, please use this link to sign up: 
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904094AADA822A3FC1-may62023
Volunteers work one shift of either 10 - 1 or 1 - 4 and receive a FREE ticket to tour the gardens on their "off shift".

7 -- Fun videos on social media!
Thanks to the efforts of Zach Coffman and Jennifer Dominy, we have some cool (SHORT -- like a minute or two!) videos on social media highlighting some of our events and classes.  If you'd like a little peek inside, be sure to visit us @monroewaltoncenterforthe arts on Facebook and @monroewaltonarts on Instagram.  Please like or follow us!  And feel free to share our posts on your own social media.  You have no idea how HUGE a help it is to get the positive message of our local arts programs out into our community.

YOU are appreciated!  We would not be the vibrant, involved and interesting community arts center that we are without your support in so many ways.

I'd like to end by sharing our ....
Mission Statement:
To support local artists, writers, and musicians and to create a thriving arts community by providing opportunities to experience art through a local artist market as well as gallery shows, classes, workshops, and special events.

Vision Statement:
To create a transformational arts community that promotes "Art for All" by delivering the aesthetic and healing benefits of the arts.
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