Art for Darfur to host fundraiser at SMU on Saturday

By SHELLEY SMITH
The Dallas Morning News

Art for Darfur will host its annual auction Saturday on the SMU campus to raise funds and awareness for a region in western Sudan that has been ravaged by war.

The organization, created in 2007 by SMU students, has grown to incorporate Dallas-area activists, faith communities, educational institutions and non-profit groups that share the same vision of connecting local residents with Darfur through art.

The silent auction, which will include artwork by Plano and Coppell high school students, will be held in the Bob Hope Lobby and of Southern Methodist University’s Meadows School of the Arts building from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The event will also offer guests live music, spoken-word performances and local food. Children can participate in free arts and crafts activities in the Taubman Atrium.

“There’s really something for everyone,” said Tiana Lightfoot, founder and co-director of Art for Darfur. “It’s important for us to feel like we have a community here and Dallas is coming together doing something. It’s fantastic because it’s a fun event.”

Exhibit Darfur, a national traveling art show, will also be on display and feature photographs by six artists including Mia Farrow.

Participants will also have the opportunity to write letters and petition their elected officials on U.S. legislation and actions in Darfur.

A representative from Amnesty International will offer insight about the conflict in Darfur where military and rebel groups have been battling for years. Tens of thousands of people have died and many more have been displaced.

Admission is $5 for high school and college students with identification, $10 for adults, and free for children under 12.

Proceeds from the event benefit Amnesty International USA’s programs for Darfur.

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