Mead art show benefits schools

On Saturday, the seventh eye4art takes place at Mead High School. The art show is a fundraiser for the Mead Education Foundation and it features more than 200 pieces of art by local artists.

One of the show’s founders, Mark Barnes, said a great working relationship with noted local sculptor and artist Harold Balazs has worked wonders in lining up the area’s best artists.

“We got the A-list of artists, so to speak,” said Barnes, whose kids went to Mead High School. “There are 42 artists at this show.”

The proceeds from eye4art ticket sales, as well as 25 percent of art sales, go directly to the Mead Education Foundation.

The foundation is 6 years old and has distributed more than $80,000 to support programs and provide resources for students in the Mead School District.

Barnes said one idea behind the annual show is to have students meet working artists. Student-produced art will also be on display, and a few students have some items for sale.

“Our focus is also to put a spotlight on the arts program at Mead, because the students do very unique work,” Barnes said. “This way they will meet people who make a living, or at least significantly supplement their income, doing art.”