An End of the Year Note…

Dear Friend…

I’m writing today to share some good news about Jozart Center for the Arts in California, Pennsylvania. The only arts center in the upper Mon Valley region, Jozart was recently awarded 501(c)(3) status by the IRS. Not only does this development allow the Center’s dedicated volunteers to continue to offer top notch arts programming to area residents of all ages, it also means that all contributions to the Center are now fully tax-deductible.

In line with this exciting news, the Center is holding our first annual end of the year fund drive with a two-fold purpose. First, we are seeking contributions to help offset the Center’s day to day operational expenses. Second, we are seeking donations to help defray the cost of installing a chairlift at the Center facility, a move that would enable us to better assist our physically challenged and/or elderly patrons.

What sort of events and programs do your contributions to Jozart Center for the Arts support? Youth oriented events, including concerts, dances and an alcohol free weekly open stage night. Arts workshops and musical/theatrical performances for all ages. Gallery exhibits by talented local artists. Fitness and dance classes. Finally, Jozart is YOUR arts center, and your donations enable us to develop programs that appeal to YOU. We are always open to your suggestions for events, workshops and classes!

Supporters making a contribution of $500 or more will be considered “Founding Members” of Jozart. This will entitle you to an array of benefits, including discounts on events and on items from our café, as well as having your name or your business name/information included on our promotional materials, web site, and facility itself. Supporters making a contribution of $100-500 will be considered “Patron Members”, and will be entitled to discounts on events and items from our café and will have their name or business name listed on our web site and facility. Supporters making a contribution of $20-$100 will be entitled to discounts on events and items from our café as well as have their name or business name listed on our web site.

Whatever level of support you can offer Jozart, know that your fully tax deductible donations will assist us in achieving our stated mission to preserve and promote the cultural arts in the Mon Valley region of Pennsylvania. I’m providing you with a self addressed envelope should you wish to make a contribution during our first annual year end fund drive. We also are able to accept donations via PayPal at paypal@jozart.com.

For more information about the Center, please visit our facility, explore our web site, “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JozartCFTA, or contact me personally by email at carla@jozart.com or via phone at (724) 769-0123. I look forward to hearing from you, and to sharing more information about the many outstanding events and programs at Jozart. Thank you for your time.

Very truly yours,

Carla E. Anderton, President, Jozart Center for the Arts

Christmas came early…

Patron of the Arts!

Christmas came early this year at Jozart Center for the Arts when board members received notification from the Internal Revenue Service that Jozart is now considered a 501(c)(3) organization, a designation that’s important because donations to the Center are now fully tax deductible.

“We were thrilled to finally receive the IRS determination because it’s vital to our continued growth. Having 501(c)(3) status will enable us to maintain and develop our facility and to expand our offerings,” said Carla Anderton, board president.

The Center’s first priority is to improve their accessibility to the general public. They are currently soliciting donations for a chairlift to be installed in the stairwell, and are asking individuals and businesses to think of us when making charitable gifts this holiday season. According to Anderton, they’re also seeking grant funding to help defray the costs of installing the lift, but have to be able to show matching funds.

“Jozart is and will always be a labor of love but now, more than ever, we also need community support,” Anderton said. “We’ve given priority to having a lift installed because we want to be able to serve the needs of the whole community, particularly out elderly and handicapped members who currently have extreme difficulty navigating the Center’s stairs.”

There are three ways to donate to the Center’s chairlift fund: visit the Center during an event and place your contribution in the fishbowl at the front desk, mail a check or money order to Jozart CFTA, 333 Second Street, California PA 15419 or send your donation via PayPal to paypal@jozart.com. Again, all contributions are fully tax-deductible as the Center is a qualifying 501(c)(3) organization.

To celebrate their new status, Jozart’s board is planning a holiday Open House on Saturday, December 17 from 4-6 p.m. They invite you to visit the Center, enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvre, baked goods and hot and cold beverages, listen to live music and learn more about Jozart’s classes and other events.

Other December events include:

12/2/11 – 6-8 p.m. – Coffee Shop open in conjunction with California’s “Bright Night” – Free coffee, discounts on other items. Afterward, youth are invited to an “electronic dance party” from 8-11 p.m. This is an alcohol free event. Tickets $5.

12/3/11 – 7 p.m. – Youth musical act Advent Skies with opener Cat Zisk. All ages, alcohol free show. Tickets $5.

12/10/11 – 8 p.m. – Dave Pahanish with opener Izaac Short. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. BYOB for over 21 event. Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door.

To reserve tickets to any Jozart event please email Carla@jozart.com or call the Center at (724) 938-9730 or stop by any regular event.

Don’t forget the beat goes on every Wednesday night at the Center’s longstanding Open Mic from 8-11 p.m., hosted by Peter Wright and featuring the best local talent around. Jozart’s café is also open during the event, serving coffee, tea, soda and light snacks. For art enthusiasts, Terry Binkney continues “Open Easel” sessions on Monday from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Wednesday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The Center is also now home to new classes. Zumba with Lynne Langley continues every Saturday morning at 10 a.m., but now Lynne’s also offering two “Yoga, Pilates & Abs – Oh My!” weekly sessions as well, one on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday nights also at 7:30 p.m. Cal U student dancer Brianna Nicole’s now offering Hip Hop dance classes on Sunday nights at 6 p.m. Finally, the Center continues to offer guitar, drum and mandolin instruction by appointment. For more information on any class, email Carla@jozart.com or call the Center.

Jozart Center for the Arts announces a unique art show…

By Justin Johnson*

Jozart Center for the Arts will host “In the Mind’s Eye: Fantasy to Reality”, a unique art exhibition by artists Joshua Getchen and Kayla Ascensio, on Friday, November 18, 2011, beginning at 7 p.m.

Through an unfortunate series of events, Josh Getchen was incarcerated at the State Correctional Institution Fayette. However, even through such trials and tribulations, he is an artist that pushes on and leaves behind a story through his illustrations. Josh immerses himself in his artwork, constantly developing his skills from graphite and colored pencil to acrylic paint. His dedication to his craft has won him multiple awards, including the Oakbridge Academy of Art design contest for the school’s sweatshirt logo. He is an artist that proves even though reality can be harsh, it is what we do with our reality that makes us who we are.

Kayla Ascensio relies on her artwork to bring her fantastic vision into the world. Though her tastes and her art are diverse, ranging from portraits, animals, and much more, fantasy is what has captured her interest for the near six years she has been an artist. Through her art, Kayla is able to bend the real and draw the impossible out of the imagination.

With the holiday season just around the corner, Josh’s and Kayla’s artwork provide excellent gift ideas for loved ones. Whether one needs a token of appreciation or a one-of-a-kind design, commissioned work in a variety of objects – original paintings, copy art, and tattoos to name a few – are available upon request.

About the planned exhibit, board president Carla Anderton said: “We are so pleased to have the opportunity to feature the works of artists Joshua Getchen and Kayla Ascensio at Jozart Center for the Arts. Their unique images will no doubt leave an indelible impression on the viewer. I’m certain our patrons will be both impressed and moved by their respective talents, and invite all with an interest in experimental and contemporary art to visit the Center and view these thought provoking works.”

For more information about “In the Mind’s Eye” or the Jozart Center for the Arts, please contact board president Carla Anderton at carla@jozart.com.

*Mr. Johnson is the current Jozart CFTA Intern in charge of assisting the President with Public Relations

“There’s nothing to do in California”?!?!?


You’ve heard the phrase “there’s nothing to do in California” but that’s simply not true at the Jozart Center for the Arts, beginning in November and continuing through February 2012.

On November 11, the Amplifiers, Red Hands and Lonely Ghost Parade take the stage for an all ages (no alcohol) show. Doors open at 7:30, show at 8. Tickets $5 in advance and $10 at the door. To reserve tickets email rob@jozart.com. FMI: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=113558268755696#!/event.php?eid=277407388966654

November 12 marks the return of local songstress Kaitlin Lang to our venue. She’ll be joined by comedic poet Ken Frye and a host of other talent from the Jozart CFTA weekly Open Mic including Seamus Hutchens. Tickets are only $3 and all proceeds benefit the Center’s daily operations and future plans. This is an all ages (no alcohol) event. To reserve tickets, email Carla@jozart.com. FMI: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=113558268755696#!/event.php?eid=286250244730925

November 18, “In the Mind’s Eye”, an art exhibit featuring works by Joshua Getchen and Kayla Ascensio will open. Reception and meet and greet with Ms. Ascensio from 7-9 p.m. FM, email Carla@jozart.com or visit: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=113558268755696#!/event.php?eid=113558268755696

December 10, local legend and longtime friend of the Center Dave Pahanish will appear with opener Izaac Short. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., show starts at 8, BYOB for over 21. Ticket prices TBA. To reserve your seats, email Carla@jozart.com or leave a comment on the event page at: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=113558268755696#!/event.php?eid=187705151311482

December 3, Jozart welcomes Advent Skies and the Mad Hats back to our venue. Tickets are $5 for this all ages show. Doors open at 7, show starts at 7:30 p.m. FMI, email Carla@jozart.com or visit: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=113558268755696#!/event.php?eid=216450798424947

Coming in January, stay tuned for a special evening with Jack the Ripper! Details about this event and other “Evenings with the Author” TBA shortly.

Finally, mark your calendars for the Second Annual Youth Talent Revue on February 25, 2012. Talented youth still needed for this event. FMI, email Carla@jozart.com.

Stay tuned for further updates!