January 10, 2013, Springfield, Mo.  – Online bidding featuring 55 heart-themed original, local artworks will open at 5:00pm on Friday, January 11 for the Springfield Regional Arts Council’s (SRAC) 5th annual “Hearts for the Arts”, a fundraising exhibition and silent auction. All bids start at $10, are accepted in $5 increments, and can be made online at www.SpringfieldArts.org or in person at The Creamery Arts Center, Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm.

Now in its 5th year, “Hearts for the Arts” has raised thousands in auction sales thanks to local artists from the area who created “Hearts” that are bid on by art patrons from all over the world. All proceeds go to support the SRAC’s year-round arts education programming that hires local teaching artists and arts organizations to work with at-risk youth. Programs include Free Art Day, Growing Up in the Arts, Vincent Van GOAT, and field trips to The Creamery Arts Center.  In 2011, the SRAC reached over 20,000 children in the 27-county region the SRAC serves.

Bidding will culminate on First Friday Art Walk, Friday, February 1, with a free public reception from 6:00pm – 9:00pm. Online bidding will end at 8:00pm and in person gallery bidding will end at 9:00pm.

To learn more about the auction or the SRAC’s programs, please call 417-862-2787(ARTS) or visit www.SpringfieldArts.org.

The SRAC, incorporated in 1978, connects people and the arts. It supports some of the most prominent visual, performing, literary and film/media arts organizations within 27 counties, the largest outreach of any in the state of Missouri. The current mission of the SRAC is to transform lives and enrich our Community through the Arts. The SRAC also manages The Creamery Arts Center, which houses the offices of the SRAC, Springfield Symphony Orchestra, Springfield Ballet, Springfield Regional Opera, Springfield Community Center and Care to Learn, as well as a board room, classrooms, instrument storage, arts library, exhibition hall, film editing bays and shared costume and set design shops managed by the Springfield Little Theatre.

 

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 Photo Credits:
“Heart of the Meal” by Dorene Cantrell
“Tree of Life and Love” by Barbara Radovanovich
“Wild Hearts” by Carol Penprase

Media Contact:
Stephanie Cramer, Director of Programs and Exhibitions
Springfield Regional Arts Council
E-mail: Stephanie@SpringfieldArts.org
Phone: 417.862.2787