Plain white T-shirts have been distributed to artist friends of Main Street Art Works and participating high school art departments. "The artists can make of it whatever they want – wearable or not, sculpted, painted, shredded, hanging from the wall, or even the ceiling for that matter," said MSAW member Pat Filzen.  "Anything goes, as long as they start with the shirt and finish with a work of art for the fundraiser."

The co-op members came up with the idea after observing the budget needs of school arts programs. The 2009 auction netted $2,300 for Valders High School.
Kim Becker, art teacher at Valders High School, reported, "The Valders HS Art program is still feeling the benefits of the auction. We have put framed art in the community, have wonderful glazes for all the art classes and have had the opportunity to address the school board and be recognized as an important and vital part of the core curriculum. We are still investigating the best new technologies and budgeting the remainder of the fund for two computers with drawing tablets and art software."

New this year, students will be creating works from the shirts and putting them up for bids at the silent auction. This represents an area-wide commitment to the importance of the visual arts in our schools.

To qualify for the grant funds, high school art teachers can submit a simple letter of request that expresses their need for arts funding.  Brillion, Chilton, Hilbert, Mishicot, Reedsville, Stockbridge, Valders, and Wrightstown high schools have been invited to apply. One school will be selected to receive the proceeds from this year's auction.

On March 26 bidding by silent auction will begin at 11 a.m. when the Main Street Art Works gallery opens. The live auction begins at 7:30 p.m.

A reception with live music, art, food and fun, runs from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.  The public is invited to join the festivities and bid on the artworks.

Go to www.mainstreetartworks.com for images of previous t-shirt entries and for more information, or follow MSAW on Twitter: MSAWGallery.

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