Inspired by a fundraising event from the Royal Academy of London, the Arts Council of Moore County (ACMC) announces that many artists have once again donated more than 500 original, mini-masterpieces for a most unique art event, called Art Anonymous.

“This is fun and exciting way to purchase some original art and maybe discover the next Picasso,” says Chris Dunn, executive director of the ACMC. (To see an online preview of the donated art, visit www.mooreart.org.)

New for this year’s exhibit will be a special preview party Thursday, June 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Campbell House (482 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines). The party is limited to the first 100 people to register and costs $25 per person.

“Admission includes the first chance to see and purchase the art of your choice at $50 each, fine wine, and some great food from Ashten’s Restaurant, Chef Warren’s, Ironwood Café, Maxie’s Grill & Tap Room, Rhett’s Restaurant, Russell’s Seafood and Wolcott’s Restaurant,” says Dunn.

To register, call the Arts Council at (910) 692-2787.

The exhibit will have its opening for the general public Friday, June 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. Admission for the Friday opening is free and open to the public. Any artwork still available for sale will also be $50 each.

The idea for Art Anonymous is simple: ACMC invited artists from all over North Carolina and beyond to submit original 2-D artwork with just two rules — the art must be the size of a 5-by-7 postcard and it must be signed on the reverse, keeping the artists’ identity anonymous. All cards will be for sale at ACMC’s June art exhibit. Once a piece is sold, the identity of the artist is revealed. Proceeds from Art Anonymous will be used to support the programs and services of ACMC.

“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, which is to support, promote and develop arts and arts education throughout Moore County,” says Dunn.

Hundreds of 5-by-7 mini-masterpieces by artists from all over the southeast U.S. have been donated to Art Anonymous.

This unique exhibit will be on display at Campbell House through June 30. The galleries are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday, June 19, from 2 to 4 p.m.

For information about ACMC or this event, call (910) 692-2787 or visit the website www.mooreart.org.