As the saying goes, "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."

In that spirit, the Arts Council of Moore County is borrowing a fun idea from the Royal Academy of London.

"They called their event, 'Secret Postcard Event,' and we are calling ours 'Art Anonymous,'" says Chris Dunn, executive director. "In order for this event to be successful, we need the help of all artists!"

How It Works

The Arts Council of Moore County (ACMC) is calling all artists (ages 16+) to create a secret mini-masterpiece that will be for sale to art lovers at the June art exhibit at Campbell House. Proceeds from the sale will benefit ACMC's programs and services.

Artists can help by doing what they do best -- create art. ACMC will provide artists with a 5 x7-inch card, upon which they can create their art or attach their secret inspiration. These anonymous works of art will be on display and sold for $50 each at ACMC's art exhibit in June.

All of the artists' identities will remain concealed until the work is sold.

"You can create and donate more than one mini-masterpiece and work in any 2-D medium, but do not sign the front of your work and do not frame your work," says Dunn. "You will find space on the back of each card for your signature. Then simply return the work to us by May 4, and please, keep it a secret."

How to Participate

To receive an "Art Anonymous" art packet, containing card(s) and instructions for creating and donating a mini-masterpiece, contact ACMC by calling (910) 692-ARTS (2787) or pick one up at ACMC's offices (Campbell House, 482 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines).

Participating artists will be listed on the Web site and in promotional and marketing materials for the event.

"The artwork will be posted on our Web site -- anonymously, of course," says Dunn.

All participating artists will receive an invitation to the Art Anonymous opening reception at Campbell House Friday, June 5.

"And because we value your talent as an artist, we will be happy to provide a tax receipt for your donation," Dunn says.

Proceeds from Art Anonymous will be used to support the programs and services of the Arts Council of Moore County. Since 1973, ACMC has been dedicated to promoting and supporting all artists by providing a place to exhibit and sell their artwork. Examples of this include the feature gallery and sales gallery at Campbell House in Southern Pines and the annual Fine Arts Festival in August.

"We also provide funding to individual artists through the Regional Artists Project Grant of the N.C. Arts Council, publicity through our Web site, and serve as an arts advocate," Dunn says. "Only through the support of our members, artists, volunteers, sponsors, and community, may ACMC continue to offer a wide variety of arts programs to Moore County citizens of all ages and fulfill its mission to support, promote and develop arts and arts education throughout Moore County."

If you have any questions about ACMC or Art Anonymous, call (910) 692-ARTS (2787) or visit www.mooreart.org.