Contact Arts-Kids at: info@arts-kids.org or 435-615-7878

Press Release

Park Record (Park City, UT)

February 17, 2004
Section: Scene
Arts-Kids prepares for first-ever fundraiser
'Paint the Town!' to end February with a splash of color and fun

Casey R. Basden

For the first time in Arts-Kids' five-year history, the non-profit organization that works to increase children's self-expression and motivation through the arts, will host a "Paint the Town! fundraiser. Unlike the other formal fundraisers Park City is known for, Arts-Kids is moving in a different direction. It is all about expression. According to Karen Jenson, development director for Arts-Kids, "It's our coming out party and we're hoping it will put us on the map.

What started out as a pilot program at McPolin Elementary School has now turned into six formal programs at each of Summit County's six elementary schools. In order to maintain existing projects and expand the organization's offerings, Arts-Kids must enhance its fundraising efforts.

To date, approximately 70 percent of the funds needed to cover the cost of "Paint the Town! have been donated. However, about $7,000 is still needed from local businesses to ensure all monies raised go directly back to the organization.

Jenson feels confident that the remaining costs will be covered, and the focus can shift to the fundraising event itself. The organization's goal is to raise $25,000 and have at least 200 attendees. If successful, Arts-Kids will meet this year's budget allowing them to think about expanding into local middle schools.

"Paint the Town! will be held Feb. 28 at Harry O's. From 6-8 p.m. local artists including David Merrill, Claudia Furnish, Bj Kase, Bill Kranstover, Ginny Coombs, Paul Jakubowski and Susie Stroup will each be working on an original piece to be auctioned later in the evening.

Here people can see artists as they create pieces reflective of their individual talents. "People will have the opportunity to buy original art at an affordable price, says Jenson, which is another draw to the event.

As an added feature, whoever purchases a piece will have the opportunity to work with the artist to add any other elements they feel necessary to complete the piece. This will be done on a commissioned basis with all funds going directly to the artist.

Jossy Lownes has designed three large canvases with cityscapes where participants can "paint the town. If these turn out well, they too will be auctioned off.

In another highly anticipated moment, Mayor Dana Williams will show off his sense of humor by participating in "Take a Shot at the Mayor! which is described by Jenson as a performance art piece.

Essentially, attendees will throw paint at the mayor creating an original one-of-a-kind piece. Once everyone has had their shot, the body suit will be extracted and placed between two pieces of Plexiglas creating an abstract appearance. As with the other works, this will be auctioned off as well.

While these activities are going on, a silent auction will be in progress where nearly 100 items will be available for bid. These items include children's photo sessions, jewelry, paint your bathroom packages and art work.

At 8:30 p.m. the live auction will begin. Between 10 and 15 items will be up for bid. Ski packages, overnight stays and participating artists works are among the goods being offered.

Throughout the event live music from pianist Brian Hess, blues singer Mary Beth Maziarz and jazz singer Martha Carter can be heard in the background. Following the live auction there will be an hour of socializing during which guests can enjoy food provided by Gourmet on the Go and LaPasche. Alcohol and other beverages will also be served.

According to Jenson, "People will have the opportunity to buy original art at an affordable price. This is perhaps what makes "Paint the Town! a unique event. With the event itself being about the power of expression, Jenson says, "Hopefully people will walk away saying 'Wow, Arts-Kids is a really cool and fun thing.'

In the process of developing an annual fundraiser, organizers have worked since September 2003 to create something unique, fun event that supports the growth of children. With that in mind, Jenson says, "I think there will be plenty of things for people to do.

"Paint the Town! will be held Saturday, Feb. 28 at Harry O's, 427 Main Street in Park City at 6 p.m. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased at ArtWorks Gallery, Nacho Mamas and Gourmet on the Go. For more information or to purchase tickets by phone, call 615-7878.

Photo: Arts-Kids will present Paint the Town! the non-profits first fundraising effort.

(c) 2004 Park Record. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Media NewsGroup, Inc. by NewsBank, Inc.