Donated art by some of the area's top artists went on the auction block Saturday night in support of Big Bend Cares. It was the 25th annual Artopia fund raiser, held for the first time at Goodwood Museum and Gardens.
Hundreds of people came out to bid on paintings, prints, ceramics and graphics as the duo Hot Tamale played in the Carriage House courtyard.
Big Bend Cares Executive Director Amber Tynan says local support for the agency's HIV and AIDS treatment programs is now more important than ever as government resources are cut.
"Especially from the federal level their HIV funding is always on the chopping block, but especially now, especially when it comes to prevention and making sure that people understand and know their status. Events like this help us make sure we can maintain our mission-critical work, even if there are shifts from the state and federal level."
Proceeds from Artopia are used to provide food, transportation, housing and health care to clients throughout the Capital City region.
