This year's Palate 2 Palette event will be a time for clowning for artist Miki Boni.
The fun event that raises funds for a serious cause is Saturday in the Southside District. It features a Gallery Stroll, Living Art Gallery, an interactive chalk art exhibit, live music, floral displays and food.
Following the event to benefit the Craniofacial Foundation of America, Track 29 will host the Bubbles & Sweets after-party, featuring desserts and champagne, with music provided by Willie Kitchens and his band.
Boni, who presented her artwork at Palate 2 Palette for the first time last year, has done an entire series based on a group of five clowns who attend a number of festivals and events downtown, such as the MainX24 parade.
"I love high color, and I love those guys," she said. "They have a great time, and they are just so joyous."
After having them pose for her, Boni decided to do a whole series featuring the group.
Boni did a large, 6-foot by 4-foot piece featuring all five clowns and then did seven more pieces ranging in size from 12 inches by 12 inches to 24 inches by 24 inches. She worked is several mediums and even did one 3-D piece.
She said she was thrilled to be invited back to the event, and is on the planning committee for this year's benefit.
"For any fundraiser I've ever worked with, this is the most creative," she said.
She said the Living Art Gallery last year was a big hit and that she was excited that internationally known chalk artist Tracy Lee Stum from Ventura, Calif., is coming this year.
A Youth Gallery will again be part of the event, taking place on Friday night from 7 to 9 at Hills Floral Warehouse on Main Street. Admission is $5.
Art students from 17 area high schools submitted pieces for the show, and about 120 of them were selected to exhibit by a panel, according to Terry Smyth, executive director of the CFA.
The display will be part of the stroll on Saturday as well.
Admission to Palate 2 Palette is $75. The Gallery Stroll kicks off at 5 p.m. Attendees can find maps to the various locations at the participating venues and can stroll at their own pace.
Participating galleries are Townsend Atelier, H*Art Gallery, Loose Cannon, The Church on Main, Area 61, Ignis Glass and Miki Boni Studios.