Charles Pearce and John Robert Willer, both of Eureka Springs, are the 2016 feature artists for the Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter benefit, Fresh StART, on Oct. 1. The seventh iteration of the the fundraiser will be held at The Grand at 117 in Rogers and will feature works from other area artists, as well as pieces created by women and children residing in the shelter. The art is currently on display at Two25 Gallery and Wine Bar in Bentonville and will be available for purchase in the evening’s silent auction.
“Fresh StART is significant in that we utilize art as a therapeutic tool. It helps our residents better understand suppressed emotions that they’ve experienced as a result of violence. Children can talk through using emotional language. Art is a way of expressing emotional language,” said Merritt Royal, shelter development directer.
The nonprofit organization offers 30-day emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence and has served some 340 residents so far this year. Offerings available to residents at the shelter include food, clothing, counseling, court and children’s advocacy, community education and support groups.
The fundraiser will include live jazz from the Claudia Burson Trio, hors d’oeuvres from KB Catering, beer, wine and a live auction. Live auction items will include dining experiences and two Super Bowl tickets.
— CARIN SCHOPPMEYER [email protected]
Fresh StART
What: Art, jazz, hors d’oeuvres, auction When: 7:30 Oct. 1 Where: The Grand at 117 in Rogers Tickets: $50 for general admission, $100 for VIP Information: (479) 246-0353