Sherry Blatner
Summer officially arrives on June 21. Really? On April 26, we had the pleasure of a 103-degree day all to ourselves in Goodyear. But who’s counting? It’s hot so don’t focus on the weather, instead, come over to the Creative Arts Center to enjoy a warm and nurturing environment in your own ‘hood.
All the clubs are active throughout the summer and it’s easier to find a seat at the table while the snowbirds are away! Try a new craft and enjoy the satisfaction of tapping into your own set of artistic skills. You have some—just start exploring. And while you hone your new abilities keep an eye on the calendar for Father’s Day on June 16. Not yet ready to make a gift for your loved ones? We have the answer for you in the Expressions Gallery and Gift Shop. Summer hours for the Gallery are now in effect: M-F, 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. (closed for lunch from 12:30 to 1:00 p.m.) and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to noon.
Ready? First, stroll through the Center and enjoy the art club displays in the many showcase windows. While not everything displayed in the windows is for sale, those items with sales tags may be purchased with assistance from the Gallery staff. Head into the Gallery where everything is for sale and explore every item created by your skillful neighbors. For dads, focus on a custom putter, a painting or drawing for his man cave, his very own candy dish, a cork serving piece for the bar or a good book for a lazy afternoon. Remember to select a personal card for each father in your life – husband, son, son-in-law or a good family friend. In keeping with our souvenir philosophy, we now have beautifully crafted glass dishes decorated with cactus and an Arizona banner. These catchalls are perfect for dads to use to hold those small items that always go missing, (think rings, keys and pocket change).
Once the “mandatory” shopping is completed its ladies’ day at the Gallery. Indulge in new jewelry to match your summer outfits; mix and match and have fun with the process. Select a few items to enjoy while lounging at the pool. Consider joining the Open Beading Club on Monday afternoons and learn to make a custom piece just for you. Wait until the compliments start rolling your way.
New in the Gallery are leather purse key fobs; they are great to keep you from misplacing your keys and leave you more room to stow your purchases in your purse. Everything’s here to meet your needs!
TAX ALERT: In 2018 the casual hobbyist who sold items in the Gallery of more than $600 received the beloved 1099-MISC for tax purposes. With the new tax law in place, this was the first time a hobbyist could not deduct the cost of supplies from revenue received when reporting this income. I contacted Congresswoman Lesko and requested that she seek to raise the tax threshold from $600 to $1500 for hobbyists. On May 3, her Legislative Director called to advise me that staff has been asked to research this issue and report their findings to Ms. Lesko. I’ll keep you posted in the Post!