Four student organizations are coming together on April 29 and 30 to hold an Art Gala. They will showcase multimedia work and do some fundraising.

Jonathan Purdy, senior art major with studio emphasis, had been planning the event over the duration of the semester.

“The gala is the culmination of an independent study I was doing this semester, the theme of the class was ‘how to raise money for Nonprofit Organizations through the sale of fine art,’” Purdy said.

With this theme in mind, Purdy pointed out the various purposes and goals for the event.

“The first is to give students extra fodder for their resumes,” Purdy said.

Prizes will be awarded like people’s choice, participant’s choice and the mural award. The mural award winner will be given the opportunity to install a commissioned mural on campus.

Raising  money for the painting and drawing department is a big goal for the gala as well. The funds will go towards purchasing a spray-booth.

Currently there are around 30 students partaking in the event or selling their work, according to Purdy.

Aside from current students, there are also people from the community as well as alumni throwing their hats in.

Purdy highlighted the importance of participating in an art show.

“I was part of the student show that just took place…I believe it is a very important experience,” Purdy said. “It prepares you to enter pieces in future shows, builds confidence and gives you a real time response to your work from the viewing audience. In fact, I would love to get professional practices on board with this event next year.”

Everything that will be on display will be available for purchase with funds going directly to the artists, who then have the choice to donate. Some of the funds raised will also go towards a spray booth for the painting/drawing wing of the building.

“It is important to the students in that it will help keep our department up to date,” Purdy said. “Spray paint is part of the language of contemporary art; the Painting Club just wants to give our students equal ground to compete from.”

Aside from fundraising, this is also an opportunity to showcase the artists of campus and their talent.

“I think it’s important that students get a chance to show what they can do outside of the building,” Purdy said, “and more to the point it’s important to let the campus know who we are and what we can do. We have some very talented artists in the building, everyone should know this.”

For students considering attending, Purdy encourages everyone to come and see the works on display.

“I would tell them not to miss out,” Purdy said. “I would also tell students this is a great alternative destination for a night out the weekend before finals (as opposed to drinking). This class has some amazing work to show off, the Gala is free, with free food, live T-shirt printing and performances in the auditorium throughout the show.”

The gala is free and open to the public from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 29 and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 30.