The Winslow Arts Council is asking artists and aspiring artists to participate in the Great Big Tiny Art Show, culminating in a silent auction and semi-formal gala at the Winslow Elks Lodge on Saturday, Nov. 4. The show will benefit Operation Clothe a Child, a charity annually supported by the Elks Lodge during the Christmas season.

To be a featured artist at the auction, people are invited to pick up a “tiny” canvas measuring 4”x4” from city hall, located at 21 N. Williamson Ave., or Gemini Art Gallery, located at 210 N. Kinsley Ave., or call Arts Council Recording Secretary Roberta Cano at 289-1411 to receive a canvas by mail before Oct. 31.

Due to an unexpectedly large public response on social media, those interested will only be issued one canvas per artist. However, people may purchase their own canvases and donate as many as they would like.

Artists are asked to create a piece of tiny art on the canvas using whatever medium they prefer. “We do want the art to remain tiny, but the canvas can be decorated with paint, or clay, or paper, or anything really,” Arts Council member Laurie Lashomb said. She went on to note that the canvas might even be framed, with measurements not to 8”x8”. “One of the things I’ve been most impressed with by this community is the willingness to come together when there is someone in need,” said Lashomb.

Elks Lodge representative Sharon Gose explained that the lodge sets a goal of $3,000 in member donated monies to children in need of clothing, coats and shoes each year. Approximately 30 children in the area benefit from the fundraiser, if and when the full goal is met.

“Imagine if we can sell 700 pieces of art at $10 a piece? The possibilities are endless,” said Cano.

Tickets to the Great Big Tiny Art Show will be available beginning in September. Appetizers will be served and guests will be encouraged to bid on the many expected tiny artworks.

According to Lashomb, artists from around the country have already responded to her invitation to create art, in hopes to fetch top dollar to benefit Operation Clothe a Child. “Everything we (the Arts Council) do is to raise money for the community and to include everyone,” she said.