Works of Heart
Works of Heart Works for the Kids
On Saturday, February 13, the Memphis College of Art was packed with party-goers gathered for a great cause: the kids served by the Memphis Child Advocacy Center. The 18th Annual Works of Heart Valentine’s Auction was a great success, raising over $60,000 for abused children.
The annual event is a festive fundraiser that fills the college with striking “works of heart” by talented regional artists. Those in attendance enjoy wine, beer, delicious hors d’oeuvres, and work by artists like Dolph Smith, John Robinette, and John McIntire.
Each year, over 100 artists pour their heart into the creation of a piece especially for the event. Each is given a wooden heart as inspiration – many incorporate it into their work, and virtually all the art is heart-themed. While the art is about heart, it is anything but bubble gum sweet. The artists creatively meet the challenge of reclaiming their heart in intelligent and provocative ways.
Calling it a silent auction is a bit misleading – it is anything but quiet. Emcee Joe Birch fuels the excitement as bidders seek their claim on their favorite Work of Heart. The art is organized into three bidding sections, each closing at a different time. There is a burst of activity that waves through the crowd as each of the three sections prepares to close. A Mississippi State cowbell (provided by anonymous alum) rings to signal the approaching section closing. As each section closes, those bidding on the same piece of art have the option to engage in bid-off. During a bid-off, a “Heart Hawker” outfitted in a feather boa facilitates a mini live auction right there on the spot.
All in all, Works of Heart is a festive way to help children who need the compassionate intervention the Child Advocacy Center provides. The success of Works of Heart is due to the generous support of the attendees, dedicated volunteers, and gracious sponsors that make the event possible. This year, the section sponsors were Whitehorn Tankersley, & Davis, Roadshow BMW/MINI, and Morris & Associates. The dedicated planning committee, under the leadership of Murray Riss, adds the little details that make the event unique. Works of Heart is just another example of our community pulling together to give back and help victims become children again.
2010 Sponsors
Cannon Wright Blout
Tom Corona
Farnsworth Photography
Fratelli’s
Good Advertising
Jaco Bryant Printers
Kenneth Cummins Interior Design
Memphis College of Art
Morris and Associates
Party Connection
Roadshow BMW/MINI
Adam and Sarah Steen
Whitehorn Tankersley & Davis, PLLC
