The Interurban Center for the Arts hosts its fourth annual fundraiser, Be Artful, on Thursday, Feb. 23, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Green River College’s Lindbloom Student Center, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn.
All proceeds from the event supports art education in local elementary schools.
Guests can create their own masterpiece while enjoying signature bites, a silent auction and live music from Root5, a local Americana band. Participants can join two of three distinctive art activities. The event’s featured artist, Wen Qian, who will lead a painting project using coffee. Artist Alice Kares will lead a project using alcohol inks, and artist Miranda Ward will lead a painting project using wine and oil pastels.
“Art is a language. I use form and color instead of letters and numbers to communicate,” Qian said. “Every piece has its own story, and the beautiful part is each and every one of us perceives the story differently. Each person connects to the artist at various levels while looking at artwork. I communicate with the viewer by sharing my stories which show how I perceive the world.”
Previously called Painting with the Stars, this year’s event has a fresh feel with the guests becoming the artists, thus the name change – Be Artful.
“The Green River College Foundation is proud to make a difference in a child’s education by putting dedicated and caring adults into the lives of young children,” said Monica Tolas, ICA program director. “The ICA feels that all children should have the opportunity to perceive and imagine art. In our efforts as an organization and college, our mission is to level the playing field by providing excellence in education.”
Tickets are available online for $25 per person or $40 for two people. Guests must be 21 or older to participate. Casual attire is appropriate for those who want to create their own art.
For more information about Be Artful, contact Monica Tolas at 253-833-9111 ext. 2735 or via email at ica@greenriver.edu.
About the Interurban Center for the Arts
The ICA is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing local elementary school age children with arts education. The ICA has been an outreach program funded and supported by the Green River College Foundation for 32 years. The ICA supports 35 elementary schools in eight school districts, including 15 schools in the Kent School District. The ICA provides support to 500 adult volunteers who, in turn, bring monthly art lessons to nearly 17,000 elementary age school children. Better Education Through Art.
