Art from the Heart

"Art from the Heart" returns for the twenty-seventh year, providing an exciting evening of art, food and fine wine that has become one of the oldest continually held fundraising event in the area, and a "must" for novice and seasoned collectors alike.

Original works from more than 130 artists are the centerpiece of this year's silent art auction and party, which take place Saturday, Feb. 12 at the Sonoma State University Art Gallery from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Proceeds from the auction directly benefit the Art Gallery's exhibition, publication, and lecture programs.

Artists from Sonoma County and across the United States have crafted works especially for "Art from the Heart,"  including Sally Baker, Todd Barricklow, Janice Best, Ray Beldner, Mary Black, John Casey, Nuala Creed, Mike Henderson, Cynthia Hipkiss, Bob Hudson, Karen Kelly, Kurt Kemp, Tony King, Hung Liu, Jann Nunn, William O'Keeffe, Mark Perlman, Sylvia Seventy, Richard Shaw, Jennifer Sturgill, Greer Upton, Shane Weare, and Bill Wheeler, among many others.

"It's a wonderful way to have a good time, support the Gallery — and in turn, the careers of worthy artists — and go home with an original work of art," says Carla Stone, exhibitions coordinator for the University Art Gallery.

Free previews of the artwork are Wednesday, Feb. 9 from 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 10 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and Friday, Feb. 11 from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. at the University Art Gallery.

Food and wine will be served, and tickets are $30 suggested donation. For more information, call (707) 664-2295 or visit the website at http://www.sonoma.edu/artgallery/.