Updated May 9, 2008

Meetings & Groups

The Camden Art Association (CAA), an affiliate club of the Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County (FAC) in Camden, SC -- The group will meet in the Bassett Gallery at the FAC. The meeting is free and open to anyone in the public who is interested in the arts. The CAA is a group of local artists, both professional and amateur, who meet each month and present two annual exhibits in the Fine Arts Center's Bassett Gallery.  The CAA welcomes anyone interested in the arts to join this affiliate club.  Membership will provide opportunities for artists to showcase their work, to hear from speakers and demonstrators who can share their expertise and meet other artists in the community. For more information, contact CAA president Lea McMillan at 843/432-5243 or 843/478-6562, or Ginny Caraco at 843/425-1603. The Fine Arts Center is located at 810 Lyttleton Street in Camden.

The Lake Norman Art League will hold its monthly meeting on the second Monday of the month, at the League's facility at 108 South Main St., Davidson NC, from 7-9pm. Meetings are open to the public. The Lake Norman Art League is a non-profit arts organization dedicated to promoting visual arts awareness in our community. We cultivate all levels of artists through net working with colleagues and other art related professionals, and providing monthly lecture series on various art topics. For more information call 704/237-1042 or go to (www.lknart.org).

The Seven Oaks Art League meets on the third Thur. of each month at Seven Oaks Park, 200 Leisure Lane, in Columbia, SC, at 7pm. Each meeting is an opportunity to meet other artists in the Columbia area and learn from informative presentations given by guest speakers. Membership is only $20 a year. Call 803/772-3336 for more information.

About Face, an artists' group, meets every Wed. evening 7-9pm to draw from live models at Emily Douglas Park at Queen Street entrance in Columbia, SC. Each two-hour portrait or life drawing session is only $5 for About Face members and non-members alike. Those who pay membership dues and regularly attend About Face sessions become eligible to hang their works in About Face Exhibits, and may vote and hold office. Check it out! For more information call 803/345-5373.

Artists' Discussion Group - Creative folk of all types (visual artists, writers, sculptors, architects, musicians, photographers) are invited to gather for insightful discussions every second Wednesday of the month at New Garden Friends meeting (across from Guilford College, Greensboro, NC) from 7-9pm. Everyone's comments are valued at these meetings, regardless of their level of involvement in their art. Call 336/643-0308 for more info, or just show up.

The Art League of Henderson County in Hendersonville, NC, is presenting a series of lecture(s). presented at 1:30pm at the First Congregational Church, 1735 Fifth Ave. in Hendersonville. On May 21, 1008, Cynthia Moser, local favorite, will give a talk and demo. Moser, a ten-year resident of Hendersonville, holds a degree in sociology from the University of West Virginia and has painted all of her adult life. A popular teacher and prolific artist, Moser works by commission only; although her works have been displayed at the Laurel Ridge Country Club for a number of years. Noted for both landscapes and portraits, Moser will demonstrate a number of watercolor techniques during the program. The June 18, 2008, meeting will feature Veronika Hart. Born in Tanganyika (now Tanzania), Hart grew up painting her exotic surroundings in the representational style of classical European masters before moving to Germany to finish her education. Meticulously capturing people, animals and landscape in oil on canvas, Hart delivers figurative expressions of exotic proportions. She has just concluded (May 31) a successful solo exhibition at the YMI Cultural Center in Asheville, NC. The public is invited. For further info contact the Art League at 828/-696-3132 or visit (www.artleague.net).

The Charleston Artist Guild in Charleston, SC, will present general meeting of the Guild beginning at 6:30pm at the Charleston Area Senior Center, 259 Meeting Street in Charleston, SC. Lectures and art demonstrations are part of the Charleston Artist Guild's monthly meetings and are open to the public as an ongoing mission to further the appreciation and education of all aspects of the art world. For further information call Robert G. Ingram, Executive Director at 843/722-2454, or the Guild gallery at 843/722-2425.

The Charlotte Art League holds it's monthly meetings on the third Tuesday of every month at it's headquarters located at 1517 Camden Road, in the South End of Charlotte, NC. The meetings begin at 7pm wwith a social and the program starts at 7:30pm. The following programs are planned. For further information call the League at 704/376-2787.

The Crooked Creek Art League meets on the third Monday of each month at Crooked Creek Park, 1098 Old Lexington Hwy, in Chapin, SC, at 7pm. Each meeting is an opportunity to meet other artists in our area and listen to a speaker on an art related topic. Membership is only $15 a year. Call 803/781-6353 for more information.

The Greenwood Artists Guild meets the second Saturday of every month at the Arts Council in the Federal Building in Greenwood, SC, beginning at 10am. Membership is open to people in all of the visual and performing arts, as well as those interested in furthering the arts in our community. Visit us at our website (www.greenwoodartistsguild.com) or by contacting the guild secretary, Dot Hershey at 864/229-5195.

The Mooresville Artist Guild will hold monthly meetings at the Depot Fine Arts Gallery at 103 W. Center Ave. in Mooresville NC. On May 27, 2008, artist Dottie McHugh will speak on and demonstrate encaustics techniques and show how some of her completed art work was created. The June 24, 2008, meeting features, artist Judy Thompson-Phillips who will speak on and demonstrate water-based oil painting techniques. Each meeting takes place on the 4th Tuesday of the month, starting at 7pm and is free and open to the public. For further information call 704/663-6661 or at (www.mooresvilleartistguild).

Red Bank Arts Guild is currently taking membership applications. Red Bank Arts Guild is designed to encourage exhibition and communication for artists and crafters in the Red Bank, White Knoll, Pelion rural communities of Lexington County, SC. For more information contact a member at 803/808-5328 or visit (www.RedBankArtsGuild.com).

For info on Seacoast Artist Guild of SC, Pawleys Island, SC, call Edna Fenske at 843-357-2626 or e-mail to (fensk@aol.com).

The Southern Arts Society in Kings Mountain, NC, meets the 1st Tue. of the month for a meeting where business is discussed and a presentation on some aspect of the arts is made. The event begins at 6:30pm (social) and the meeting starts at 7pm at the Kings Mountain Arts Center at 301 North Piedmont Ave. (Hwy 216) in Kings Mountain. The meetings are free and open to the public. For further info call 704/739-2056.

The Community of I'ON Artists in Mt Pleasant, SC, meets on the third Wednesday of each month from 9am-4pm, at the Creek Club in I'ON, on Saturday Road. After refreshments and a short business meeting there will be a program followed by time to create in your chosen field and exchange ideas and techniques. Throughout the year, there are educational opportunities with special speakers and demonstrations on various aspects of the artistic experience. The group started as a few artists who were interested in painting together twice a month. From that core interest of communing with other artists we have expanded to participating in local events. Our first art shows have been attended by hundreds of people who came to buy our art and we are excited by the enthusiasm of our guests and the number of paintings that were purchased . We now have over 100 members from beginners to professionals from I'On and the Greater Charleston Area. We have come from all walks of life to share a mutual joy in self-expression. Through social gatherings, exposure and exhibitions thr group provides learning experiences at all levels; promotes artistic activities and an exchange of ideas; builds a reputation as a thriving art community; exploits opportunities for exposure with I'ON and the community at large. To join, contact Robert by e-mail at (Rbyronart@yahoo.com). For further info contact Diane Balister at 843/971-6317, e-mail at (diane@balister.org) or Pam Schussel e-mail at (devoncroft@comcast.net) and visit (www.ionartist.com).

The Log Cabin Art Guild serving Columbia & the Midlands of SC, meet at 10am on the 2nd Sat. of each month in the Log Cabin at Sesqui-centennial State Park, 9564 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC. For info call 803/788-4605.

Piedmont Artists meet on the 1st Tuesday of each month at the Rock Hill Arts Council's classrooms at 121 E. Main Street, Rock Hill, SC, for business meetings. The group will now meet weekly for an Open Studio session every Tue., from 7-9:30pm. Rock Hill artist, Harriet Goode will moderate the sessions which will include models and still life setups. For complete details call the Arts Council at 803/328-ARTS.

The Northwest Artists' League in North Wilkesboro, NC, meets at the Wilkes Art Gallery, at 800 Elizabeth Street, North Wilkesboro every third Tue. of the month for a general meeting where there is 30min, of business and one hour of fun such as making monotypes. For further information, call the gallery at 336/667-2841.

The monthly meeting(s) of the Waccamaw Arts & Crafts Guild will take place 2nd Thursday of each month at 7:30pm at the Trinity Episcopal Church, 3000 N. Kings Hwy, (Bus. 17) in Myrtle Beach, SC. For info call Betty Stritzel at 843/497-3897.

Women's Caucus for Art, Charleston, SC, Chapter - A national, nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the opportunities for women in the visual arts. The Charleston Chapter of the WCA meets to discuss exhibition opportunities, to critique art and to build a network of women in the local art community. Meetings are informal, and held at a variety of sites throughout the Charleston area, often at openings and art events. For more information e-mail (WCAcharleston@yahoo.com) or visit (www.WCAcharleston.blogspot.com).

Fundraisers

Editor's Note: We will not list fundraisers which feature Art Auctions which do not list all the artists' names who have donated art to the fundraiser. The phrases: including works by local artists; including works by the area;s best artists; or featuring works by the regions top artists - just won't cut it. Many organizations promise these artists publicity for their donations of art, but their names never seem to make it into the press releases. Not here. If you sent a press release and didn't know about this policy - shame on you for not reading our paper, but wanting to use us to spread you info.

Art Auction to Benefit Dean Barber Memorial Scholarship at Myers Park High School in Charlotte, NC. An online art auction will be held starting May 3, 2008, to raise money for a Memorial Scholarship in the name of Dean Barber, a teacher at Myers Park High School. The auction will be held on Ebay's Mission Fish - works will be posted at (www.barberfundraiser.org). Go there to connect with the auction on Ebay. All of the proceeds raised from the auction will go towards establishing a memorial scholarship in the name of Dean Barber. The operating costs of the fundraiser are funded separately. The following artists have generously donated their artwork for the auction: Paul Rousso, Hope Braswell, Miles Lewis and Kent Lineberger. Another online auction will be held soon in which the following artists have pledged artwork to be auctioned: Mark Peters, Stephanie Chesson, Jim McGuire and Gina Gilmour. "It is only fitting that this fundraiser pays tribute to an outstanding teacher at Myers Park High School - Dean Barber - who inspired so many students," said Randy Farmer, an organizer of the fundraiser and graduate from Myers Park High School in 1983. "This fundraiser also reflects the many ways in which a great teacher, such as Mr. Barber, can influence a student's life." The scholarship will be given annually to a Myers Park High School graduate. The scholarship will be awarded based on the candidate's achievements in the visual arts, overall academic achievement and commitment to public service. The fundraiser, started in Dec., 2006, has a campaign goal of $10,000. To date, the fundraiser has raised about $2,500. Education Works is a 501(c)(3) non profit corporation and is an all-volunteer organization. For further info contact Randy Farmer at 770/516-6072 or visit (www.barberfundraiser.org).

The healing nature of art is a long practiced and respected tradition. Engaging patients in art has proven benefits and positive health outcomes. There is, however, another interesting derivation of this healing potential of art, and this can be found with the Compassionate Care Foundation in Columbia, SC. Throughout the month of May 1 - 31, 2008, the public is invited to visit the unique artwork on display at several locations around Columbia. The artwork, featuring the unique creations of several found-object artists, will be for sale. The artists will donate a portion of the art sales to benefit the Compassionate Care Foundation. The mission of Compassionate Care is to provide alternative and complementary care to individuals who do not have resources to fund these caring treatments. The events of this month celebrate the beautiful artwork of local artists, and more importantly, the ability of art to create healing opportunities for individuals in the community. The integration of traditional bio-medicine and other evidence-based alternative therapies (acupuncture, somatic and behavioral therapies, etc) provide a more comprehensive, safe, and effective treatment plan for patients. As many alternative therapies are not covered by insurance, The Compassionate Care Foundation will assist financially to make these therapies accessible for patients who would not otherwise be able to receive this collaborative care. Jeanette Spence, founder of Compassionate Care and artist, comments: "I have been caring for people all of my life. I have been in nursing for over 30 years. For me 'healing' means coming to an understanding and a place of acceptance about ones illness, so that you can move forward with your life. Alternative and complementary practitioners take time to provide more compassionate care to the patients they serve. I have observed that people do better when they have a multi-modal or multi-disciplinary treatment team, whose focus is on holistic healing processes rather than just one part of the patient. Again the focus is on quality of caring between the provider and the person who is receiving the service." The Compassionate Care Foundation is the non-profit partner of the found-object art business, FOAtography, Inc. Together, the art business and foundation will continue to build valuable partnerships with health care providers, other community organizations, volunteers, and a variety of funders to provide alternative therapy and treatment options to patients who may not otherwise have the resources. Support of the art and events during the month of May will continue to build community awareness for Compassionate Care and will support the mission of the Foundation. Artwork will be on display in the following locations and times for the month of May: Unitarian Fellowship, 2701 Heyward, Columbia, SC. Starting May 10, 2008, artwork will be featured in the Social Hall and adjacent rooms. Viewing times are during concerts, forums and seminars and other publicized events. For appointment, call Gin at 803/799-0845 or visit (www.chaliceweb.org), Mon.-Fri. from 10:30am-3pm.
INSHAPE Physical Therapy and Wellness Center, 5432-A Augusta Road, Lexington, SC. Artwork will be on display starting May 3, 2008, at the INSHAPE Grand Opening, and will be available for viewing for the remainder of the month during regular Wellness Center operating hours. For info call 803-957-3373 or visit (www.inshapesc.com).
Southern Places, Inc. Interior Design Studio, 9350 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC. Artwork will be available for viewing starting May 1, 2008 by appointment. For viewing appointment, contact Pam McPeak at Southern Places at 803/788-0559 or visit (www.southernplacesinc.com).
The extensive and diverse group of partners collaborating on this project lends authority and strength to its meaningful mission. Partners include but are not limited to:
Bill Barley of Barley and Associate, Charles Baxley of Baxley, Pratt, and Wells; Candace Perry and Callee Boulware of The Kaiser Group; Pamela Bruner of Heartland Harps; Marta M.T. Herman, artist; Mary Ann Hurst, Jazz Vocalist; Ron McDaniel and John Powers of Crystal Visions; Pam McPeak of Southern Places, Inc; William D. Skelton, D. Ac., The SC Acupuncture Clinic; Mary Rockwood Lane, Ph.D., RN, of Shands Medical Center; Family, Friends, Co-workers, and Circle of Wise Women. For further info contact Callee Boulware at 803/960-7455 or e-mail to (callee@kaisergrouponline.com).

The Light Factory Contemporary Museum of Photography and Film in Charlotte, NC, announces Shoot Out 19, the annual fundraiser that boasts unforgettable portraits by Charlotte's top photographers for a great deal. The Light Factory Shoot Out 19 offers 30-minute photo sessions on May 10 and May 11, 2008, on Mother's Day weekend at a new location, CenterStage@NoDa (2315 N. Davidson St.). The sitting fee cost is $150 for member of The Light Factory and $175 for non-members. Pre-registration is required by logging onto (www.lightfactory.org) and clicking the hot pink "Shoot Out 19" button. More information is also available by calling The Light Factory at 704/333-9755. The Shoot Out provides a high-energy atmosphere for the perfect photoshoot. Professional hair and make-up experts remain on stand-by throughout the day to make sure customers look their best. The Light Factory staff and volunteers will have fun activities kids and special treats for Mom, courtesy of this year's media partner WKQC K104.7-FM, Charlotte's COOL MUSIC Station. All photos are taken digitally and uploaded to the Shutterfly website where customers can order photographs and other merchandise branded with their images throughout the year! All proceeds from the sitting fee and photo sales benefit The Light Factory programming. The Light Factory invites photographers to participate in the Shoot Out who take a fine art or documentary approach to their portraiture. This ensures they capture the true personality and spirit of their subjects, making the photographs distinctive and unforgettable. Photographers selected to shoot this year include Deborah Triplett, Gary O'Brien, George Lainis, Erin Hubbs, David Crosby, Pam Bracket, Michael Lobiondo, Critsey Rowe, Rolland Elliott, Wayne St. John, Susan Scott, Van Miller, Stephen Dey, Richard Israel, Chris Edwards, Carl Miller, Kelli Brinkley and Todd Hess & Eric Chartier. Each photographer generously donates their time to shoot for The Light Factory. The Light Factory Shoot Out 19 would not be possible without the support of CBS Radio WKQC K104.7-FM, Shutterfly, ThunderRoad Brandworks, Applewood Gallery, Mert's Heart & Soul, Moosehead Grill, Belk Printing, Illumination Dynamics, PSAV Presentation Services, ArtsTeach, the North Carolina Arts Council and the Arts and Science Council. The Light Factory is one of only four organizations in the United States that promote the power of image through photography and film. For more than 30 years, The Light Factory has served students, artists and the public at large by offering film screenings, photography exhibits, classes and outreach programs that promote media literacy and self-expression using the most powerful mediums of our time. The Light Factory is a 501©3, non-profit organization. To find out more about The Light Factory, or make a donation visit (www.lightfactory.org). For further info contact Dee Grano, Director of Marketing and Special Events by calling 704-333-9755 or e-mail at (dgrano@lightfactory.org).

Charlotte, NC, artist Anne Neilson began painting a series of oil paintings featuring angels several years ago, but after reading Ron Hall and Denver Moore's "Same Kind of Different As Me: A Modern-Day Slave, an International Art Dealer, and the Unlikely Woman who Bound Them Together", her work has a new inspiration. After reading the memoir of the pair she was moved to paint an Angel for them, develop a relationship with the authors, and figure out how she could use her art to serve the homeless in her community. She will exhibit her Angel Series at a special art show at Sophia's Gallery in Dilworth area of Charlotte on May 16, 2008, from 6-9 pm and will donate a portion of proceeds to Charlotte's Urban Ministry Center. Neilson previously owned a successful pottery business but has been focused on oil painting since 2003. Her most recent works include the colorful, impressionistic angels she will exhibit at the May 16 "Angels In Our Midst" show, as well as landscape scenes from her travels. Her Angel Series has been popular with collectors and won Neilson critical acclaim, including the Charlotte Symphony's 75th Anniversary Spirit of the Symphony Award in 2007. Her work is represented locally by Sophia's Gallery, 1528 East Boulevard, and is also exhibited at 3 French Hens in Charlotte and in galleries in Winston-Salem, NC, Charleston, SC, Atlanta, GA, and Jacksonville, FL. The book "Same Kind of Different As Me" recently hit the "New York Times' Bestseller list for non-fiction paperback and has been a fast favorite in book clubs and religious study classes. Readers, Neilson included, are struck by its eye-opening accounts of poverty and homelessness and are moved by the relationship that develops between the unusually paired friends and the religious experiences they share. "It is a blessing to use this God-given talent to help others," Neilson said of her personal interest in creating awareness about the issue of homelessness and providing to support to organizations that serve the homeless population. A portion of proceeds from all of the art sales are donated to organizations in the communities where her art is purchased. Charlotte's Urban Ministry Center will benefit from the May 16 show at Sophia's Gallery. Founded in 1995, The Urban Ministry Center is an interfaith organization in Charlotte, which strives to fulfill the mission of providing four levels of ministry: immediate assistance with basic life necessities, empowering ministries for the poor and the homeless, consciousness-raising about urban poverty issues, and also the study of and education about these issues. UMC provides a range of basic services (daily lunch, showering, laundry, job counseling, and food referrals, among others) for the Charlotte homeless population. For further info contact Anne H. Neilson by calling 704-652-1906 or e-mail to (aneilson@carolina.rr.com).

Local Charlotte, NC, jewelry designer, Diana Ferry of D Celestine Limited, has teamed up with the Charlotte Avon Walk for Breast Cancer to plan an art & craft show, called "Pink at the Plaza", to benefit the Walk and its Walkers. This amazing outdoor event will take place on May 17, 2008, from 10am - 3pm at the Providence Plaza on the corner of Providence Rd. and S. Sharon Amity in Charlotte. The best artists and crafters around will be selling their handmade goods and donating a portion of the proceeds to The Avon Foundation, while Avon Walkers will be selling goods to help raise money for their Walk. The Avon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity that raises funds to advance access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer, with a focus on the medically underserved. Since the Walk series was launched in 2003, the more than 75,000 participants in the Avon Walks have raised over $200 million to support leading cancer centers, research institutions and community-based organizations in the Walk regions and nationwide, with over $4.9 million raised locally since 2005. A majority of the funds raised locally go to local beneficiaries, such as CMC and Presbyterian Hospital. For a complete list of Avon Foundation funding, visit (www.avonfoundation.org). "Pink at the Plaza" will help contribute to The Avon Foundation with the money raised at this one-day event. Stop by "Pink at the Plaza" to shop for the cure and help raise money for a great cause. "Pink at the Plaza" will be a free admission, family-friendly event, and shops and restaurants at the Providence Plaza will be having specials on the day of the event. The first fifty shoppers to show will get goodie bags and there will be a silent auction during the first part of the event to help raise additional funds. For further info contact Lucas Coe at 704/377-3144 or e-mail to (Lucas.Charlotte@avonwalk.org).

On May 17, 2008, from 9:30am until 5pm, The Transylvania Community Arts Council in Brevard, NC, will present a Spring Tour of Homes. This tour will offer magnificent views, stunning homes, and fascinating art studios. The homes on this self-guided tour are located in Brevard, Connestee and surrounding areas. Some of Brevard's master-gardeners will participate with flower arranging demonstrations, and more. Stop by the TC Arts Council for refreshments and to enjoy our current gallery exhibit. Tickets for this event are $30. The December Tour was a sell-out, so be sure to call 828/884-2787 early to reserve a place on this exciting spring tour or visit (www.tcarts.org).

The Mooresville Artist Guild will present the Blue Moon Ball and Art Auction on May 31, 2008, with a preview from 6-7pm and ball and art auction from 7pm to midnight. Come and dance to Carolina beach music performed by the Fantastic Shakers, sample Hors d'oeuvres provided by local restaurants, drink NC beer and wines at our cash bar, and bid on original art by local award winning artists. Come in casual attire and come for fun! All proceeds go to benefit the Depot Preservation Fund. For more information visit (www.mooresvilleartistguild.com).

Deanna Bowdish, Arts Council of Beaufort County (Beaufort, SC) board president, is pleased to announce "The President's Circle", an incredible chance to see art in the Lowcountry home environment. "There is a reason that Beaufort County proudly hosts two of the 'Top 100 Small Art Towns in the Country,'" Deanna explained. "Beaufort County has a wealth of talented artists, incredible galleries, a wide-selection of performing arts opportunities, and many art collectors. These collectors live everywhere from Pigeon Point to Hilton Head. And they are building their collections on local artists."  Only 20 tickets are available to each party, at $20 each for an evening of food, drink and socializing with collectors and artists in unique and inspired settings. Advanced ticket purchases required: 843/379-ARTS or visit (www.beaufortcountyarts.com) for details. The events include: on June 2008 (date and time TBA), Host: Clay Morton, Dataw Island, featuring "the Eclectic Collector" with Folk Art expert Mary Mack, owner of Red Piano Too. For further info contact Lisa Annelouise Rentz at 843/379-ARTS.

Recently, McLeod Plantation, on James Island, SC, was the perfect setting for a spectacular kick-off party held by The Charleston Artist Guild for "The Hunt for Charleston's Treasures" a multi-day event that will take place during the Spoleto 2008 timeframe. Guests, many never having been to McLeod Plantation, were excited to step back in time upon entering the historic plantation house. Within the house, they were entertained by Chamber Music Charleston while actively bidding on "treasures" donated by local merchants and artists for a silent auction. Amidst the majestic oak trees, gourmet hors d'oeuvres were served by Granville's Restaurant while jazz performed by the Simon Harding Trio filled the air. Guests who attended the party will receive a treasure map, a work of art in itself, which will steer them through Charleston visiting local merchants seeking "answers" to pre-determined "clues". The hunt will end at the Charleston Artist Guild Gallery with a drawing for - what else! - priceless treasures. Those interested in becoming treasure hunters as well may participate in "The Hunt for Charleston's Treasures" by purchasing the treasure map that will be on sale starting in Jan. 2008 for $10 each at the Charleston Artist Guild Gallery. Proceeds from the successful silent auction and map selling events will benefit the Charleston Artist Guild and its many scholarship and community outreach programs aimed at making art part of the lives of children, the elderly, and the financially and physically disadvantaged. The High School Artistic Merit Awards and Annual Scholarship competion, which is held at the Gaillard Auditorium, is open to all high school students in the tri-county area. Throughout the year, the guild members can be found at Charleston area senior citizens centers, St Matthew's Summer Readiness program, and Pattison's Academy Summer Camp. The guild is proud to bring their Art for Alzheimer's program to local homes for the elderly. For further information contact Robert G. Ingram, Executive Director at 843/722-2454, or the guild gallery at 843/722-2425.

More than 50 Triangle area artists have signed on to "recycle" used wooden chairs into one-of-a-kind works of art that will be sold during a gala auction in the fall to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Wake County. The fundraiser is sponsored by Porto, a fine home furnishings store with locations in Raleigh, NC, and Chapel Hill, NC. Porto sponsored a similar event in 2006 that had artists recycle old doors into art, which raised $14,000 for Habitat/Wake. Calling the 2008 event a "CHAIRity," Porto has asked the artists to translate the store's slogan "Going Green Just Got Elegant" any way they want. How the artists use the chairs is also completely up to them: functional or non-functional, construction or deconstruction. They may even "reinvent" the chairs into something entirely different. The results will be displayed around the city during the month of September and part of October, leading up to the Oct. 18, 2008, gala auction (both "silent" and "live"), which will take place in Porto's North Hills showroom. Artists participating include: Jason Craighead, Louis St. Lewis, Nancy Tuttle May, Clark Hipolito, Jonathan Peedin, Paul Friedrich, Suzy Andron, Erin Sterling, Meredith Steele, Luana Luconi Winner, Mark Crummett, Sean McKinney, Joanie Kennedy, Crash Gregg, Tracy Spencer, Shannon Gray, Betsy Tate, Cindy Block, Lea Peace, Ana Myers, Charron Andrews, Jacqueline Rimmler, Carol Lancaster, Denise Sherman, Kristin D. Strickland, Constance Pappalardo, Cristine Candora-Hickey, Nancy Hawk, Maria Falbo, Fabriella Corter, Candace Thomas, Michelle Davis Petelinz, Lee Ball, Virginia Owen, Sue Scoggins, Sauda Azahra, Nell Steelman Whitlock, Renee Baker, Carol Marden, David Matthew Parker, Susan Clark, Claire Healey, Martha Thorn, Mary Storms, Marla Brautman, Lucinda Thompson, Tarrah Goforth, Jan Kimosh, Marcelle Kick, Michael Gilchrist, Jodi Bock, Maddie Langley, and Suzanne Langley. Artists from Artspace and the Visual Art Exchange, both in downtown Raleigh, are also bringing their artistry to bear on the chairs, which have been provided by Habitat/Wake County's ReStore. Porto is now looking for restaurants, shops, businesses and other public spaces in which to display the chairs-turned-art before the gala auction. Restaurants who would like to donate food and/or wine
for the Oct. 18 event will be considered sponsors and included in all promotional material. Anyone interested should contact Kim Weiss at blueplate pr: 919/272-8615 or e-mail to (kjw27612@yahoo.com). For more information on Porto, visit
(www.portohome.com). For more information on Habitat/Wake County, visit (www.habitatwake.org).

Tours

None at this time.

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