Student Talent Show and Fundraiser Wed, Sept. 19th, 6:30-10:00 PM

Highland Brewing Company, 12 Old Charlotte Hwy, Asheville, NC 28803 A benefit to fund the Boundless Art Program

Open Hearts Arts Center is a non-profit nationally accredited, community based art program located in West Asheville for differently abled adults. Artists of Open Hearts Art Center have a unique opportunity to express themselves through visual and performing arts, as well as profiting from the sale of their artwork. On Wednesday, September 19th, Open Hearts will be hosting its 7th Annual Student Talent Show and Fundraiser, which will be held at Highland Brewing Company from 6:30 - 10:00 p.m. The talent show is a favorite of the students who prepare for months for the event. Funds raised at this year’s event will go to support the agency’s new Boundless Art Program, which will allow for student field trips and to offer satellite classes in the community. The agency hopes to raise at least $15,000 to support this program.

Tickets for the event will be $10. You can pay at the door. Ticket price includes an amazing talent show, delicious food, and local musicians. There will also be a raffle/silent auction throughout the evening, so bring your cash. Awesome items will be available!
“Adults with disabilities tend to get overlooked,” said Sonia Pitts, Executive Director and Co-founder, “but our students are incredible people and their need for love and creativity is just as valid as yours and mine.”

Open Hearts’ day program provides instructional classes five days a week in visual and performing arts. When visiting the studio, you might see a group dance performance, student artist’s painting on a life size canvas or artists sewing up a stuffed monster. A typical week at Open Hearts could include classes in painting, drama, dance, music, fiber arts, mixed media, ceramics, sculpture, screen printing, gardening (seasonal) and creative writing. Professional artists and crafters collaborate with student artists to develop a project idea and then bring it to life.

“The Student Talent Show is where the artists perform their hearts out. It is a very important day for them. They look forward to this for months in advance”, said Staff and Student Coordinator Brian Octavius. In addition to being a big day for the students, the talent show will also be a fundraiser for the Boundless Arts Program. The Boundless Arts Program will give Open Hearts the ability to reach out to other community members who do not have transportation, as well as give the students some life experiences outside of the Open Hearts facility. Another part of this program will be to have the students do some volunteer work.

“At Open Hearts we make sure that our student artists feel loved, important and empowered. The Boundless Arts Program is the next step in creating a higher quality of life” said Debbie Harris, Co-founder and Director of Clientele and Events.
Co-founder and Director of Finances, Jessie Francis added, ”We already have the van to provide these extended services. If we raise $15,000 we could broaden the amount of services we provide to this community.”

Footage of an OHAC art exibhit :http://vimeo.com/37242058

Staff Bio and Images: http://openheartsartcenter.org/about-us