Fostering the Arts to hold “Total Eclipse of the Arts” fundraiser tonight
Fostering the Arts will host their eighth annual Sweet Art event from 6 to 9 p.m. tonight at the Benton Event Center. This year’s theme is “Total Eclipse of the Arts.”
Throughout the night, attendees will listen to live music from two student vocalists and the Saline Symphony, as well as a live DJ on the dance floor; bid on auction baskets offering everything from a diamond necklace to student art; watch live dance performances; and browse vendors from various businesses or organizations related to foster care.
Those businesses are also providing hors d’oeuvres for the evening.
“Something we’re really passionate about is spreading the word about the individuals and businesses that live in our community and that support our community,” said executive director Anna Bowman.
Fostering the Arts, which works to bridge the gap between foster care students and extracurricular activities, began after Bowman offered a free dance class to young women at Second Chance Ranch.
“It was my first introduction into the world of foster care,” Bowman said. “When I started working with them, I started to understand their need for extracurricular activities.”
Bowman, who also serves as director at Doxa Arts Academy, started looking at ways that she could expand her ministry and offer further services to the kids.
“I knew how life-changing this could be,” she said. “I grew up as a dancer. I could see in my classes with them how important it was, especially during a time in their life when their decision-making was taken away. The intention was to raise money to provide lessons, pay teachers, pay for equipment and shoes.”
The Sweet Art event was created in response to the need
see the eclipse.
ACDI in Benton will have space to park as well. Spots are $25 and all proceeds will benefit Bright Futures Benton.
New Life Baptist Church, on Highway 5 in Bryant, has eclipse kits (complete with three pairs of viewing glasses) available
on a first come, first serve basis. The registration also secures a spot in the church’s parking lot. Eclipse glasses may also be found at any branch of the Saline County library, while supplies last.
On April 8, Bryant Marketplace Center will host a Solar Eclipse Family Fun Fest from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., complete with food, bouncy houses, and parking.
The Cotton Shed in Bryant will also have inflatables, as well as food, games, face painting, free parking, shopping and sales. The celebration will take place from 11 am. to 4 p.m. on April 8.
The Saline County Fairgrounds is also getting in on the fun. Offered with the camping sites is a barbecue cook-off, whiffle ball tournament, food trucks, and inflatables.
Another total eclipse party will be held at
Blue Heaven in Benton. Tickets are $25 for field entry; kids twelve and under are free. It is recommended that for the field entry, participants bring their own quilts and lawn chairs. The
VIP pavilion is $100 and includes a free t-shirt,
ISO, lanyard, and Nasaapproved eclipse glasses. The Legendary Pacers Band will be on hand to play during the day, and fresh hamburgers and hot dogs will be available, as well as chips and drinks for sale. Parking is free with paid entry.
The Jehovah’s Witnesses will also be stationed at various events and viewing parties around town, ready to greet visitors.
On Sunday, April 7, Strange Magic Gems and Happy Aura will present Strange Magic Sunday, a pop-up market with aura photography; crystals; tarot and astrology readings; a food truck; yoga; and more. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 210 Reynolds Rd. in Bryant.
Matt Thibault, spokesperson for the city of Benton, stated that there are no plans to shut down roads during the eclipse.
“We are expecting delays due to traffic, but we are not shutting anything down,” he said.