Making a splash

If you ask nicely and have your checkbook handy, you might get the chance during Art Nights at Hotwater Works.

Local artists Julian Van Dyke and James McFarland are hosting the Oct. 13 and 20 events to benefit the Mid-Michigan Food Bank.

The two, who have been friends since the late 1980s, willpaint at each event and these pieces — as well as previous works — willbe available for auction.

Van Dyke has previously contributed a few paintings to benefit the Food Bank, but he wanted to do something on a larger scale.

“We obviously live in one of the areas that have been hithardest by the recession,” he said. “There are people who can’t evenafford food and clothing. The idea was if we can’t sell it, let’s giveit away.”

McFarland is the owner of Hotwater Works, a hot tubdealer on Michigan Avenue. This venue provided the pair with enoughspace to accommodate a large audience. The artists will takesuggestions from the crowd about the art they create.

“We both have an abstract style,” Van Dyke said. “We havesome ideas for one of the pieces, but we’ll be conversing with theaudience about what kind of artwork they want to see.”

The evenings also feature a hot tub and gift certificate giveaways. 

Art Nights

5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13 and Oct. 20

Hotwater Works

2116 E. Michigan Ave. 

Free

hotwaterworks.com