BILL SPARKES/Acorn Newspapers BEAUTY AND TALENT-Gillian Sanhamel, 14, will be presented the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation Spotlight Award for Young Artist of the Year at a ceremony on Sat., April 8. Gillian says she can't remember a time when she hasn't been playing music--it's always been an important part of her life. Simi Valley resident Gillian Sanhamel, 14, is the recipient of the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation Spotlight Award for Young Artist of the Year.

Gillian is a classically trained pianist and dancer who's been involved with the Cultural Arts Center for two years in many capacities. She's currently performing in "Beauty and the Beast" and has been a keyboardist for many shows and a rehearsal pianist.

Gillian made her debut stage appearance at age 12 in the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center's production of "Fiddler on the Roof." She then played keyboard or piano in the pit orchestra for "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," "Once Upon a Mattress," "Peter Pan," "Oklahoma!" "A Christmas Carol" and "Cabaret."

Gillian was also rehearsal pianist and video operator for the SVCAC West Coast Premiere of "Songs From The Tall Grass." She studies classical piano, ballet, tap and jazz and attends Valley View Junior High in Simi Valley where she was selected a member of the National Junior Honor Society.