The Fort Smith Regional Art Museum will introduce its Art Affair fundraiser May 1. The inaugural "artsy chic"-attire event will include hors d'oeuvres from 21 West End, open bar donated by In Good Spirits, live music, door prizes, raffle, a private viewing of the "COIN" installation and the farewell viewing of "The Art of Romance" exhibition.

"COIN" is a re-creation of the Greek amphitheater designed by William Hope "Coin" Harvey. Harvey was a West Virginia attorney, politician, entrepreneur, teacher and developer who founded Monte Ne as a resort town in 1900. He started construction of an amphitheater in 1920, but he lost his fortune and the project was never finished. The installation, created by Bentonville-based artist Dayton Castleman, stands in a dark room and is lighted from within.

"The Art of Romance" shows the development and evolution of Valentine's Day cards beginning in the early 1800s.

Organizers say the benefit will be a "selfie extravaganza" replete with photo booth, complimentary portraits of guests drawn by a professional artist and museum cameras to be used that evening to take photos to be displayed at next year's event.

Museum offerings include classes and artist-led workshops for children and adults, lectures and exhibitions.

-- CARIN SCHOPPMEYER [email protected]

NAN Our Town on 04/17/2014