Artists are coming together to support purchasing gifts for 300+ children enrolled in the Backpack Food Programs whose families don’t have sufficient resources for food and other needs. The Birthday Wishes Ministry, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, purchases and surprises these young ones with a special gift inside a back pack on their birthdays. A number of artists have donated fine art pieces which will be on display at Sunset River Marketplace. Gallery visitors will have the opportunity to bid on the artwork in a silent auction during the exhibit, which runs from May 20 through June 3. Final bidding will take place at a closing reception on First Friday, June 3 from 5 – 7 p.m. Shown is All For Love, two oil pieces by Jill Leach. Combined measurement is 48 x 48 inches. Other participating artists include Michael Caizza (oil), Susan Cunningham (oil), Roberta Walker (watercolor), Barbara Lewis (oil), Anne McElroy (oil), Mary Russell (watercolor), Roger Tatum (watercolor), Carol Rogers (photography), William Proffitt (sculpture), Barbara McManus (basketry), Bruce Tingle (wood).

Please note, gallery hours are Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. During the exhibit’s closing reception, Friday, June 3, we will be open until 7 p.m.