Wet Paint is an exciting art event and auction of original works of art created over two days. at outdoor sites throughout Collier County. The public will be encouraged to participate by viewing the artists on site as they work and then to bid on the art at auction.

This unusual event will benefit the Collier County Mental Health Foundation, which is dedicated to building an endowment for the long-term financial stability of the Mental Health Association of Collier County.

For the past four years, the Mental Health Association of Collier County has sponsored the fundraising event known as Wet Paint SM to benefit the Mental Health Association of Collier County, and increase public awareness and participation in the visual arts. The dates for the 2006 event will be on-site painting from 10 a.m. until 3:00 p.m on Thursday, February 9th and Friday, February 10th. Artists are scheduled to turn in their completed, framed artwork between 1 – 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 11th.

The gala auction event will take place at the Clubhouse of Aston Gardens in Pelican Marsh on Sunday, February 12th . Cocktails will be served, attendees will have an opportunity to preview the auction art and a silent auction (of art objects of a non-competitive nature to the live auction art) will take place from 4 – 6:30 p.m. A sit-down buffet dinner will be served with the live auction starting immediately after dinner.

The 2006 Venue:
The Aston Gardens Clubhouse is spacious and meticulously appointed.

• The front lobby has sufficient space to accommodate the welcome and registration areas.
• The ballroom will accommodate preview showing of auction art and will also be used as payment/check-out area with direct access to the front porte cohere area.
• The dining room seats approximately 300 people comfortably. With the rental of TV screens and a closed-circuit video camera, all attendees will be able to view the artwork as it is auctioned.
• The Billiards Room or Lounge area should accommodate the Silent Auction area

Sponsorship of the event provides an opportunity to support the arts, encourage public access and appreciation of the visual arts, for corporate and individual donors.

So far, more than 30 local and national artists have been agreed to participate in this public art event, the first of its kind in Southwest Florida. The cost of a sponsorship is $1,500.

For more information on sponsorship, please contact The Mental Health Association 239-261-5405

All donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.