IMB editor Jon Sparks and his wife Maritza Davila are longtime supporters of Works of Heart, an annual benefit for the Child Advocacy Center.
Sparks remembers when the event was held at Oak Court Mall and the Brooks before it settled in its current base, the Memphis College of Art.
The next Works of Heart is set for Saturday, February 10th, 7-10 p.m. at MCA.
How it works is that about 100 area artists are each given a wood heart about a foot square, then, says, Sparks, “They can do whatever they want, or not use it at all.” The works are then auctioned off.
Sparks says that some artists’ work is more popular than others. Works by Dolph Smith are particularly sought-after.
Some works are decorative, some are corny and sentimental, others are bizarre. “It’s a fascinating variety,” says Sparks.
‘evolving pieces’ by Shannon Cable
‘Piece of My Heart’ by Larry Anderson
For Davila and Sparks’ own contributions, Jon says Maritza does the heavy lifting on the works. She carves the heart; he provides the words and photos. This year’s piece involves tiny books, each containing a haiku, written by Jon, with images. The books’ binding was hand-stitched by Maritza.
As for the party? It’s hosted by Joe Birch. And Sparks says, “It’s always fun, always jammed packed.”
Tickets for Works of Heart are $75, $200 for the VIP Big Heart Lounge.
