The sixth annual “Have a HeArt for Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS)” opens on Saturday, Jan. 28. The event takes place from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Upstairs Artspace in Tryon. Guests are invited to peruse works of “heArt” created in various media by regional artists from across western North Carolina and the foothills of South Carolina. All works were contributed to support the fundraiser for BBBS.

Bidding opens on Saturday in the silent auction benefit. The brief show runs through Feb. 11.

The benefit joins the opening of Upstairs Artspace premier exhibit of 2017, “Pent-up Pink,” a solo exhibit by Fleming Markel; “Tripping the Fantastic,” by painters Veronika Hart and Dabney Mahanes; and “Twisted,” featuring the works of Margaret Curtis and Daniel Nevins. A walk and talk program by the artists starting at 5 p.m. will precede the opening reception at 6 p.m.

Area artists give to support the BBBS mentoring services for children in Polk County and Landrum. Mentors inspire their “littles,” encouraging them to achieve to a higher potential and these artists inspire with their ingenuity and generosity.

For more information, contact BBBS at 828-859-9230 or 828-899-9699 or email polk@bbbswnc.org.

– article submitted by Karen Dacey