Art Raffle Will Be Held to Aid Damaged Center

Original works by local artists will be raffled Saturday at an afternoon buffet to help the Westside Arts Center recover from a $75,000 fire and to provide programs for children.

The event called “A Collector’s Afternoon” will feature 21 prints completed especially for the center. The works are valued at a total of $25,000.

A fire last August destroyed musical instruments, video equipment and art supplies at the Westside center, a nonprofit group that offers art programs for families. According to the event’s sponsor, Diana Attias, the center also needs help to continue to offer its services.

“We have a waiting list of schools wanting our low-cost art programs,” she said. “Because of government cutbacks, many of the schools are currently unable to offer arts education for children. Increased community support will allow us to bring excellent art programs back into the schools.”

The prints are on exhibit at Michael’s Restaurant, 1147 W. 3rd St., and will be raffled at the restaurant between 2 and 5 p.m. Raffle tickets are $10 each or 15 tickets for $100. Lunch and 15 tickets are $125. For details, call Carlyn Clark, (213) 453-3966.