Artists United for Mosaic Fundraiser

Arts United fundraiser unites local artists – The works of dozens of prominent local artists will be on display as part of a fundraising effort for Arts United.

Now in its second year, the Community Mosaic project attracted twice as many area artists compared to last year. Each volunteered to create art depicting the theme “Arts Unite Us.” The work of painter Robin Robinson is pictured right.

The Community Mosaic will be on display until mid-April.  Anyone visiting the Arts United Center between now and then can see the exhibit and vote for their favorite panel. The artists with the most votes will win prizes. Another different aspect of the 2010 exhibit is participation by home schooled students, whose parents see this as an opportunity for their children to feel the excitement from exhibiting art in public. These works will be interspersed with works from both amateur and professional adult artists representing the diverse interests and skills in our greater Fort Wayne community.

“This was a great idea and a perfect opportunity for my general education students to work with their special education partners,” says Bernadette Weller of New Haven Middle School. “They learned so much more than art.”  Three groups from Weller’s classes submitted paintings for the Community Mosaic project.

An opening reception for the Community Mosaic exhibit and kickoff of the Arts United fund drive takes place Thursday, January 28th from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the Arts United Center, 303 E. Main Street in downtown Fort Wayne. The reception is open to the public. Club Soda will cater light appetizers with a cash bar available. The Kevin Piekarski Jazz Trio and the Fort Wayne Philharmonic will perform. At the reception, Arts United will announce their 2010 goal as $1,000,000.  Early workplace campaigns and donations have been encouraging for the goal that is slightly higher than last year’s result.

“Fort Wayne has always been a generous community. The arts are a vital part of the community and as one of our shining community assets have received loyal and passionate support,” says Executive Director Jim Sparrow.  “We are confident and optimistic that the goal of $1 million is not only one we can achieve but exceed.”

About Arts United - Incorporated in 1955, Arts United is the third oldest united arts fund in the United States and the second largest arts council in the State of Indiana. As the umbrella organization for nonprofit arts groups in northeast Indiana, Arts United provides leadership to the local arts community and is the largest single source of financial support for the arts in the region. Arts United is the entity that brings the arts community together to address their key issues and questions. Through Arts United, the many arts groups in the region can plot a common direction and speak with a common voice.