With the California budget deficit at a staggering $35 BILLION, arts organizations are faced with huge funding cuts for their critically important programs and services. Coupled with global economic and political uncertainty, arts organizations need support more than ever before and art lovers can help do something positive to help bridge this funding shortfall.

The California Arts Council, the state's official arts funding and advocacy agency, encourages art supporters to purchase specialized ART LVR license plates for their vehicles in California. These unique license plates were designed by renowned artist Wayne Thiebaud and are the nation's first plate designed solely to benefit the arts. Over half of the funds generated from this purchase program and the entire annual renewal fees will be allocated to the California Arts Council to help fund arts education programs.

By purchasing these wonderful, artistic license plates, art lovers can show their true support for the arts while generating much needed funds for arts programming needs. Although the funds for this particular program go directly for arts education, by having more money available for arts education programs, funding can then be made available for other arts related programs and services. Help boost Ventura's share of funding for arts education programs by purchasing your ART LVR license plate today. Let's show how artistic our wonderful seaside community can really be!

For additional information on the cost and how to purchase your own ART LVR license plate, logon to the California Arts Council's web site at http://www.cac.ca.gov/feature/license/FAQs.htm or complete the order form at http://www.cac.ca.gov/feature/license/order.htm. Your support in this area will help increase arts education opportunities for the young people in our community who might not otherwise be exposed to the arts.

Image copyright of Wayne Thiebaud and courtesy of California Arts Council. All rights reserved.