Secret Art Show to make its return

The Burbank Arts for All Foundation is bringing back its Secret Art Show for a second year, featuring more than 600 original art pieces contributed by celebrities, artists, animators, educators, students and community leaders.

“Last year’s Secret Art Show was such an overwhelming success, we are proud to bring it back for a second year,” said Trena Pitchford, executive director of the Burbank Arts for All Foundation, in a statement.

At the art show, which opens on Saturday, guests will have the chance to purchase one of the 4-inch-by-6-inch “miniature masterpieces” — paintings, drawings, sketches, photos, collages and doodles — for a $40 donation.

But here’s the catch: the pieces are signed on the back, so the identity of the artist remains hidden until after the piece has been purchased.

Works by budding young artists from the Burbank Unified School District will be displayed among pieces by established artists such as Matt Groening — creator of “The Simpsons” and “Futurama” — and Drew Struzan — the artist behind iconic movie posters for Indiana Jones films, “Star Wars” and “Back to the Future.”

Additional celebrity artists include talk show host Conan O’Brien, actress Eva Marie Saint, director Gore Verbinski, artist Mark Dean Veca and animators from the Walt Disney Co. and Warner Bros. Civic leaders such as Burbank City Councilman Jess Talamantes will also have pieces in the show.

The event will run from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday at ATB Studios, located at 157 W. Providencia Ave. General admission tickets are $10 each.

Those who purchase $50 VIP tickets will get in an hour earlier at 6:30 p.m. to have the first look at the items and the opportunity to purchase up to 10 pieces before general admission begins.

The show will also include a wine-and-cheese reception with music and live performances. Proceeds will benefit the foundation, which supports and promotes art education in Burbank.

To purchase advanced tickets or for more information including a list of artists, visit www.burbankartsforall.org/secret-art-show/ or contact Pitchford at (818) 736-5269.