Photographs, paintings and prints went toward a good cause this month.
The Art Swap, which took place March 8, was the offshoot of a successful fall event held at Southside Gallery for the United Way of Aiken County.
"We were trying to think of a way to recycle some art, and we said let's try this art swap," said Thom Abbott, the president of Southside Gallery.
Each fall, the Artrageous fundraiser brings in money during the United Way's campaign. The Art Swap was designed to raise money for Children's Place Inc., a United Way agency.
At the Art Swap, people could donate artwork to Children's Place, and the proceeds from the sale went to the organization, or artists could pay $5 for each piece they wanted to display and sell. They could keep the proceeds or donate them to Children's Place.
Megan Swingle's photographs of horses benefited two organizations. With her fee helping Children's Place, Ms. Swingle said, she planned to donate her proceeds to Equine Rescue of Aiken.
George Buggs, another Aiken photographer, said he liked having the opportunity to help a nonprofit with his artwork.
"I like the idea of exposing my work to the community. Being able to contribute something back to the community is important," he said.
Children's Place is a family and child development center whose services include play therapy, speech and language therapy and a support group for children who've been sexually abused.
For more information about Children's Place, call (803) 641-4144.
Reach Charmain Z. Brackett at czbrackett@hotmail.com.
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