By Ann Nichols

Arts Writer

Mirrors, kaleidoscopes, miniature books and cartons of cracked eggs have arrived at artists’ doors in past years to introduce the theme of Artamajig, the Arts & Education Council’s annual art auction and only fundraiser.

This year, however, artists were summoned to Tanner Hill Gallery on March 25 for a reception and to pick up a “secret package” that announced the details and theme of Artamajig 2008.

To be held at Tanner Hill Gallery 6-8:30 p.m. Thursday, the event offers attendees an opportunity to enjoy food prepared by some of the area’s best chefs and to enjoy wine and other beverages. The highlight of the evening is the silent art auction composed of 51 original artworks.

“Fortune” is the theme, and artists have created sculpture, paintings, photographs, collage, fiber works, prints, glass, jewelry and mosaics that reference luck, wealth, riches, chance and fate.

Artist Stan Townsend created a 2-foot-high primitive totem piece that holds a basket of fortune cookies on its head. Pat Cory submitted a photograph of a butterfly that she took in Costa Rica.

“The Latin American symbol of good fortune is a butterfly,” she explained.

Jan Chenoweth’s mixed-media construction, “Preserved Fortunes,” is made of two glass jars, fortunes from fortune cookies and welded steel.

Dana Shavin’s acrylic painting, “Lucky Horseshoe, Horse Attached,” concerns her philosophy of life.

“I have found that fortune often comes with a price,” she said. “It has been my good fortune to have wonderful dogs, a terrific husband and a career I love, but I have astronomical vet bills, loads of dirty laundry, and I spend too many hours in the van driving to art shows.”

Her “terrific husband,” Daryl Thetford, is contributing a photo collage of the Ferris wheel at Chicago’s Navy Pier titled “Wheel of Fortune.”

Opening bids for the artworks range from $100 to $3,000. All proceeds benefit AEC programs. Tickets for the evening are $65 per person and $100 per couple. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.

To make reservations, call 267-1218 or visit www.ArtsEdCouncil.org.

Tanner Hill Gallery is at 3069 S. Broad St., Suite 3.