Handmade vases on display, to be auctioned for kids

The Mountain Home Arts Council's Visual Arts Committee has launched its Third Annual "Way Out of the Box" fundraiser.

This year's theme is "vases." Each of the vases has been handmade locally and will be sold during a month-long silent auction. One vase has a floral arrangement designed by House of Flowers.

Local businesses are being asked to sponsor a vase for $15.

"Local artists will be 'planting new ideas' by designing, signing and dating them to be included in our 3rd annual silent auction," said one of the committee's organizers, Patti Hamaishi.

Vases and their bid forms will be on display at Mountain Home Arts Council's evening performance of Bob Berky on Oct. 16 at the Mountain Home Junior High School commons area. They will be at Village Art Center from Oct. 16-23, then move to House of Flowers from Oct. 24-30. From there they will be at Brown Wrapper Framing Oct. 30 to Nov. 8.

Final bids will be accepted the night of the Third annual "Vocal, Arts and Cuisine" event on Nov. 8 at the Hampton Inn from 6-9 p.m. The family event features local artists, Blake Olmstead's music, and Smokey Mountain food and beverages. Bidding will close at the end of the evening. "If you find a vase to your liking please come join the event, visit with local artists, eat and keep an eye on your vase," Hamaishi said.

The funds raised from the artistic endeavor will go towards art scholarships, for students and/or local artists to further their education.

Past fundraisers have been described as "a huge success."

In 2006 the "Artistic Pigs" fundraiser made $1,200 to help six students go to Paris and they in turn helped with an art adventure in coordination with the library summer reading program.

In 2007 the "Artistic Teapots" made approximately $1,500, which funded one $1,000 art scholarship to Mountain Home High School student Cristina Anthony.

"We would like to thank our past sponsors and bidders for their wonderful support," Hamaishi said. "We hope to see you at this years' events."

For any questions, suggestions or ideas on the project, contact Hamaishi at 587-2777 or Brenda Raub at 284-9553.