This year, Youth Bridge will sponsor its annual Starry, Starry Night…Almost Van Gogh Art Competition and Auction on Saturday, June 23 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Denise and Hershey Garner will once host the event at their home at 3390 E. Mission Blvd. in Fayetteville.

The event is held each year to raise money for Youth Bridge and its many youth related programs such as education, health and recreation.  The focus of this year’s Starry, Starry Night event is to highlight the importance of Art Therapy as an important psychotherapy service that provides an emotional and creative outlet for many of Youth Bridge’s clients.  Art Therapy can reduce stress, help build social skills, and solve behavioral management issues.

Tickets are $35 in advance and $45 at the door.  Seating space is very limited. This is a sell-out event.  Sponsors will receive a premium (six/eight person) table.  A limited number of regular reserved tables for two or four people seating will be available for a fee.  The price includes admission and all food and drink.

Dr. Nancy Hairston, Youth Bridge Development Director reports there will be several changes in this year’s event to open it up for more participants. Entry categories will include professional, corporate teams (minimum two people and corporate name), individual, and youth (16 and under). Judging categories will be 1st, 2nd and 3rd place; a People’s Choice Award from the overall entries; and an overall “Most Creative use of Materials”, “Best Use of Theme”, and “Craziest Entry”.  Awards will be a combination of cash prizes, trophies, ribbons, and gift cards among the four categories.

In addition, this year we will be charging a $10 entry fee for all categories.  All art pieces will be auctioned off during the silent auction. The actual silent auction is a favorite of many who attend.  New this year, will be a live auction for selected pieces. Together with live music, some special door prizes, and a few other surprises, it promises to be a fun evening.

The rules are the same:  Each team is supplied with a black, white and one random tone color of paint, two brushes, and can use any other painting tool they desire.  Artists may “break the rules” for a $35 donation and use other materials such as lights, food coloring, cotton, string, and music to create a multi-media piece of art or even a three-dimensional artwork.  Creativity, skill and a good imagination are what it takes to win the Most Creative Use of Materials!

Please call Leslie Carpenter at 479.575.9471 or email lcarpenter@youthbridge.com for sponsorship and entry information.  Also, visit the Youth Bridge web site at www.youthbridge.com.