Published: April 16, 2009 11:03 am      

Fundraiser offers ArtRageous artwork

ArtRageous, an upcoming fundraiser for the Cass County Arts Alliance, is designed to awaken the inner artist that sleeps in each of us, according to Lita Rouser, the event organizer

All 16 of the celebrities who agreed to design a piece of art using an 8-by-10 canvas are creative spirits but not artists by trade. Their artwork will be auctioned on May 1 at Schwerbo’s with proceeds benefiting the Cass County Arts Alliance, Performing Arts Council, Civic Players and Junior Civic Theater. 

The artwork itself will be the “color” in a room decorated in black and white, and attendees will be encouraged to wear black and white as well. Appetizers and beverages will also be served. 

The 16 celebrities whose art is being auctioned are:

• Cardiologist and jazzman Stan Hillis

• Pharos-Tribune columnist Deb Saine

• Race car driver Boston Reid

• Cole Clothing Museum owner Jean Cole; Lafayette TV 18 anchor Alyssa Rosseme

• Mix 102 program director Betsy Jarvis and disc jockey Matthew Paul

• WIBC’s Joe Ulery

• Lisa Terry, a former director of the Cass County Community Foundation and children’s author

• Walton public library director Gordon Southern

• Logansport Mayor Mike Fincher and Deputy Mayor Linda Klinck

• State Sen. Randy Head

• City Councilman Scott Kraud

• Don Steinberger, lead singer of Twisted Riddlers

• Garry Williams, a local screenwriter

Many of the celebrities will be on hand at ArtRageous to discuss their work and celebrate the arts.

Celebrity artists were encouraged to let their imaginations flow and create images via painting, drawing, poetry, essay, and collage.

“It was really interesting to get out and see all these places from a new perspective,” said Paul, who chose to do a collage of local landmarks. “Plus, it turned out so good that I had to make two so we’d have one at home.”

Klinck noted that without Teri Partridge her artwork “would not have been possible.”

Partridge, who owns the Pear Tree Gallery in downtown Logansport, served as mentor to some of celebrities who wanted the help of a professional.

“I have been asked to help with community art projects over the years, but this event had a twist,” she said. “I was to mentor non-artist celebrities in the creating of a one-of-a-kind piece for the CCAA fundraiser. What fun!”

She said she enjoyed watching her students relax and blossom as their ideas took shape.

“I believe the people attending the event on May 1 will be pleased with the quality of these first timers who have created for the good of the cause,” she said.

She said some of the artwork can be previewed at her gallery until it is moved to Schwerbo’s for the fundraiser.