Big Brothers Big Sisters is gearing up for the upcoming opening for their Have a HeART project. Only in its third year, the Have a HeART for Big Brothers Big Sisters fundraiser is already becoming a celebrated local event.

Area artists are truly rising to the occasion, creating unique heart-themed artwork that will be available through silent auction Jan. 31-Feb. 14 at the Upstairs Artspace in Tryon.

HeARTs are arriving daily at the Big Brothers Big Sisters office, ratcheting up the level of excitement and anticipation for the biggest and best HeARTs show yet.

The Upstairs will be exhibiting Prints by Andrew Blanchard, Paintings by Mark Flowers and Changing the Focus, displaying new photography from Carolina Camera Club members.

An opening reception on Saturday, Feb. 1, will present these artists, along with the HeARTs in the small works gallery.

More than 50 artists are generously contributing their many talents to the HeARTs project to support Big Brothers Big Sisters. “HeART” work in oil, acrylic, ceramic, fiber, wood, metal and mixed media will be presented, with entries by artists such as Kim Attwooll, Bonnie Bardos, Jim Cornell, Jim Cullen, Doug Dacey, Bob Neely, Kim Nelson, Rich Nelson, Jane Powell, Sandra Sibley and many, many more.

A very reasonable minimum price will be set for each piece, and the artwork will be up for bid during the opening reception on Saturday, Feb. 1, through the closing bids reception on Feb. 14.

Art lovers don’t often have the opportunity to collect such unusual pieces from these fine artists at such a good deal…not to mention while also helping to support a very worthy charity.

Visitors are invited to attend the Upstairs on opening night, during regular gallery hours, and for the closing, to place your silent auction bids to win one, or more, of these heart-warming pieces. Proceeds from the event will support Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs for children in our community.

Folks on their way to the Tryon Fine Arts Center on Saturday evening for Chase Away the Blues, are encouraged to stop by the Upstairs on their way, to take a look at the new exhibits and peruse the works of “HeART.”

Then show your support for Big Brother Jim Peterman and other musical talents lined up at TFAC.

For more information please contact BBBS at 828-859-9230 or polk@bbbswnc.org.

– article submitted
by Karen Dacey