The Randolph Arts Guild has announced it is set to hold an evening benefit at the N.C. Zoo on Friday, May 18.

The Twilight Art Safari will be a unique after-hours event combining the opportunity to take a close look at some of the zoo's extensive collection of artwork and animals, to meet some of the artists, and much more.

Asheboro Elastics has signed on to be the signature sponsor for the event, which will raise funds to support the Randolph Arts Guild and its efforts.

The Randolph Arts Guild provides a wide range of arts opportunities for the citizens and visitors of Randolph County. In its center located in downtown Asheboro, the organization provides and maintains educational and exhibition spaces for visual art, music and drama.

It also organizes major events such as the fall festival and the North Carolina Potter's Conference, which appeal to people at the local, regional and national levels. All of these events have a positive economic impact and add to the quality of life of the local community.

"This year we are celebrating 40 years of being the 'Window to the Arts in Randolph County,' and what better way to do that than with a unique event like the Twilight Art Safari," says Derrick Sides, executive director of Randolph Arts Guild. "The zoo's collection of artwork is the largest collection of art on display in Randolph County, and their innovative approach to incorporating these works into the design and educational elements of the exhibits serves as a model for other institutions. We're honored to be able to host an event in this setting and environment, and to be able to feature some of the many works and artists as the signature of this event."

Tickets will go on sale in the spring.

For more information, call (336) 629-0399, email arts@asheboro.com, or visit www.RandolphArtsGuild.com.

The Guild is located at 123 Sunset Ave., Asheboro.