Art at the Market Place Gallery and the Market Place Restaurant are hosting the next event in the Arts Council of Moore County's fundraising program, "Appetite for Art."

This collection of social events was the idea of Connie Petrillo, a member of the Art Council's Board of Directors.

Petrillo moved to this area 10 years ago from Connecticut, where her plan for the New Haven Symphony was a tremendous success. There have been rave reviews for the Arts Council's presentations, with all events sold out or oversold -- several events have even delivered an encore.

"The success of the program is due to the wide appeal," says Petrillo. "There is something for everyone -- married or single, young and old, and at varying times of day and days of the week."

"Supper with the Artists" will take place Sunday evening, Sept. 24, at 5:30 p.m., for 46 guests.

Canaps and canvases will greet the guests on arrival in the Gallery; wine and assorted drinks will whet their appetite as the art entertains.

Dinner will feature popular items from the restaurant's menu, including a choice of hearty fall soups, mixed media salad and, of course, a still life of sweets. Bonnie Black, owner of the restaurant, will be the chef. Live music will be provided throughout the evening by Danny Infantino, popular local musician.

Painting demonstrations will be provided by the artists when they are not busy serving dinner in their artistic aprons.

There will be door prizes. Most will be art-related, but some will be provided by the businesses of the Market Place. Someone will go home with an original painting by artists Fay Terry, Betty DiBartolomeo, Sara Gray, Joan Williams, or Cele Bryant.

Other events to be presented by "Appetite for Art" to round out the 2006 season include "An Evening in New York," Oct. 7; "Puppet Power Party," Oct. 14; and "Harvestfest," Oct. 21.

For more details, contact the Arts Council of Moore County at 910-692-4356.

Plans are in place for a repeat performance in 2007, when 20 parties are already scheduled.

"It can only get better now that everyone has the idea -- come join the fun," says Petrillo.