The 7th annual Have a HeArt for Big Brothers Big Sisters opened at the Upstairs Artspace on January 27 with a rousing show of community support. Comments ranged from “great diversity with amazing pieces” to “your best show yet.”

The HeArts project opened with the first Upstairs exhibit of the new year featuring the work of Olaf Sorensen and Brian S. Kelley. The gallery is open Tuesday-Saturday 11am-5pm.

The Upstairs generously provides the host site for the BBBS silent auction of heart-themed artwork, and the expanded display space this year allows visitors great access to easily view all of the work. A photo album of all 96 pieces of artwork can be viewed on the Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC – Polk Facebook page. Participating artists are primarily from western NC and the upstate of SC, but there are also entries from Florida, Georgia, Missouri and Kentucky.

The silent auction for the HeArts will continue through February 10 when bidding will conclude at 6pm. The public is encouraged to attend and place bids in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring programs for area children and to acknowledge the generosity of the artists who donated their work for this worthy cause. It is a great opportunity to win a unique piece of artwork or special Valentine’s gift while also supporting a local charity that serves children and makes such a difference in their lives. You won’t be disappointed to win one of these many treasures!

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

– submitted by Karen Dacey