Local nonprofit Dallas Challenge hosted the 7^th Annual ART FROM THE HEART Celebrity Art Auction & Benefit, a fundraising event featuring the artwork of many local and national celebrities, select professional artists and designers on Friday, April 29, 2016 at Lofty Spaces.  Co-chairs for this year’s event were Carmen Surgent and Lindsay Lee McCain. Attendees had the chance to mix and mingle with many of the celebrities, artists and designers who donated art pieces available for auction. 1920’s attire had been requested and guests took delight in dressing in their Gatsby best. Among those in attendance were Steve Kemble, Tiffany and Aaron Hendra, Jane McGarry, Phyllis and C.J. Comu, Ann and Donald Short, LeeAnne Locken and Larry g(EE). One of the evening’s highlights was a live performance piece created on site by Dallas-based Leighton Autrey. Autrey is best known for his Biblical artwork where he turns scriptures from the Holy Bible into modern contemporary works of art. He has shown all over the world including events such as Super Bowl XLV (45) and 2012 London Olympics.  Leighton has done and continues to do many personal commission pieces for high profile clients such as professional athletes, entertainers and for companies like Red Bull.

“Dallas Challenge provides a therapeutic art class to help many at risk youth from Dallas. To hear the stories of the young lives that have been changed for the better is inspiring! I am continuously amazed by the success stories!” says event co-chair Lindsay Lee McCain. “I could not be more excited about how much this year’s Art From The Heart benefit raised,” says event co-chair Carmen Surgent, “With the caliber of artists we had participating this year, guests and collectors were delighted with the variety and quality of artwork up for auction! We believe this to be our most successful event yet!”

Since 1984, Dallas Challenge has been a leading provider of programs to help youth stay in school, off drugs and alcohol and out of the criminal justice system. These programs and services are supported by the Annual ART FROM THE HEART Celebrity Art Auction & Benefit.  This signature fundraising event featured an array of exciting highlights that included artwork from local and national celebrities, personalities and athletes. Artwork from select professional and young artists (most from Dallas Challenge youth programs) were also up for auction. Wearable art in the form of luxury, designer and fashion items were a unique and interesting twist to the auction line-up. For additional information, please visit www.dallaschallenge.org.

Photos c/o Thomas Garza and Bob Manzano