Deductions for charitable giving may be affected by the proposed tax bill, which is concerning to the Cass Area Artists.

If charitable giving is not tax deductible under the new plan, then giving a 2018 donation in the 2017 tax year may be a financial advantage for some donors.   

Art groups, galleries, food pantries and museums are among the many charities that benefit the wellbeing of the community, but they rely on the generosity of  donors such as individuals, family trusts, businesses and corporations to provide displays and events.

The Cass Area Artists sponsor the Summer Art Show on the grounds of the Cass County Council on Aging in Cassopolis, which features arts and crafts from artisans in Cass County and the Michiana area. They also sponsor art classes both at the Cass District Library and the Council on Aging.

Drawing, portrait drawing and stretching a canvas will be topics of community interest that are planned for 2018.  A list of the events is available at cassareaartists.org.

In addition, the group coordinates the gallery display at the Cass District Library computer room, which features members’ art. New this year, the gallery display will include art from Cass County high schools, with Edwardsburg scheduled  during the first quarter of 2018. With many changes planned for Cass County, it is necessary to plan for the future of the arts and culture, and the Cass Area Artists hope to be in a position to benefit the community.

Donors are encouraged to support the visual arts through a donation to the Cass Area Artists, P.O. Box 606, Dowagiac, MI 49047.

Tom Rose

Director, Cass Area Artists