A group of Bentonville artists is inviting the community to join them in a countdown to Christmas based on random acts of generosity and other good deeds.

The StART Giving campaign began Tuesday and continues through Dec. 22.

Simple suggestions such as visiting a neighbor or treating outdoor workers to hot chocolate are designed to jump-start participants’ own creativity, according to Jared Sears. He hopes to build momentum that will continue into the new year.

Sears is a member of Art=Story, a faith-based collective in the Bentonville area. Members aim to engage the community in artcreation, enhance worship arts and participate in the local art scene, according to their Facebook page.

The group has coordinated several collaborative art projects at First Friday events in recent months, Sears said. As they were brainstorming a December project, the theme of giving came to their minds.

“How to make this art?” was the question, Sears said. The answer - involve the community in “the art of giving” and produce a video of the shared experience. Participants are invited to post photos, videos and statements at www.facebook.com/artstorynwa. A video will likely be released in mid-January, Sears said.

“We want people to tell their story, know they’re part of a great story,” he said.“This is about the community working together, fi nding the art of giving.”

Art=Story members created the project with theneeds of Benton County in mind, Sears said. They’d be delighted if Washington County residents want to join in.

Life, Pages 9 on 12/12/2012