The second annual “Have a HeArt for Big Brothers Big Sisters” will be held Jan. 18 through Feb. 9 at the Upstairs Artspace in Tryon.

The benefit for Big Brothers Big Sisters opens concurrently with the first Upstairs exhibit of the new year, UPLOAD: Art of the Digital Camera Phone.

Have a HeART for BBBS is a silent auction featuring the works of area artists that have been donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters for this fundraiser. Artists have embellished porcelain hearts or created heart-themed works of art in different media, producing a delightful variety sure to appeal to gallery visitors.

The opening reception is Saturday, Jan. 19 from 5-8 p.m., with a Walk and Talk tour of the UPLOAD show from 4-5 p.m. All HeARTS artwork will be open for bid during regular gallery hours through closing bids on Saturday, Feb. 9, just in time for winning a unique Valentine gift! The Upstairs is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is fortunate to have such friends in the community, from the generosity of the Upstairs Artspace sharing their exceptional venue, to the artists donating pieces for the silent auction, and the guests who generate enthusiasm through a lively bidding process. The public is invited to visit the Upstairs Artspace for the UPLOAD show, and encouraged to support Big Brothers Big Sisters through the HeArts project.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a nonprofit youth mentoring organization serving Polk County and upper Spartanburg County since January 2003. They match children facing adversity, from single-parent families or other situations where the children could benefit from additional adult guidance, with caring adult mentors.

For more information please contact Big Brothers Big Sisters at 828-859-9230 or polk@bbbswnc.org.

– article submitted by Karen Dacey