COLORFUL COLLECTION—Jamie Iverson, 11, will be one of around 20 vendors showing their wares tomorrow at the cultural arts center's holiday bazaar. Iverson is selling self-made ornaments to raise money for a local pet rescue organization. Jamie Iverson has been hard at work gluing sparkles on picture frames, painting wooden Christmas ornaments and making beaded necklaces.

"When I'm done with my homework and chores I work on the crafts," said Jamie, a sixthgrader at Big Springs Elementary School. "I've been working on them every day and night."

Her parents, Debbie and Brian Iverson, surprised Jamie by renting a table for her at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center. Jamie will sell her crafts at a holiday bazaar this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 20 vendors will participate in the event.

"This is the first time I'm doing a craft fair," said the 11year-old. "I'm really excited."

Jamie will donate the money raised to B.A.R.K. (Basic Alliance for the Rescue of K-9s), a local pet rescue and adoption organization. In addition, a portion of all vendor sales, as well as booth rental fees, will be donated to the arts center's Share the ARTS Program.

"The program provides lowcost or free tickets to families and individuals who normally couldn't afford to attend live theater," said Fred Helsel, assistant manager at the center.

The Share the ARTS Program started eight years ago with a twoyear Community Development Block grant from the city of Simi Valley. Since then, donations from the business community, individuals and fundraisers support the program.

The ticket vouchers are good for any of the center's shows throughout the year.

"We give out about 500 tickets a year," Helsel said. "Many people introduced to theater through the program now volunteer here."

Jamie usually sells her crafts from the driveway of her parent's Simi Valley home. Over the past year, she's raised more than $300 for B.A.R.K.

"I started making crafts with my cousin in Michigan," Jamie said. "We raised $17 to give to an animal shelter there. I decided to find a shelter near my house and do the same thing."

"Jamie's very outgoing," said her mother. "She always thinks outside the box."

Jamie is happy that people as well as pets will benefit from her participation in the bazaar.

"They have some really cool shows here. More people can go and see a good performance," she said.

The Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center is at 3050 Los Angeles Ave. For more information, call (805) 583-7905.