Combine the talent of several South Whidbey artists with the large-hearted savvy of a community organization and you’ve got a recipe for a stimulating success.

Striking works of art from more than 30 island artists will be on display during the South Whidbey Youth Connection’s Seventh Annual Benefit Art Show at Langley Methodist Church Fellowship Hall at Third and Anthes streets.

An artists’ reception will be held 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 12. The show lasts through the weekend from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 13-15.

This art show is an important annual fundraiser with sales going to support the artists and the South Whidbey Youth Connection. It is a perfect chance for art enthusiasts to add a piece or two to their collections while supporting a vital community organization that looks out for Whidbey Island’s youth.

The South Whidbey Youth Connection is a prevention-oriented organization with a mission to help young people develop leadership and life skills. Through a number of innovative programs, the non-profit is able to provide a safe place for youth to socialize while building strong connections to family and the community.

The show promises to offer an eclectic and exciting mix of local art for browsers.

Choose from ceramic vessels and sculpture, mixed media, framed drawings and paintings, glass art, photography, mixed media, fabric art and fine hand-crafted jewelry.

Art from experienced artists such as Buffy Cribbs, Rob Schouten, Bob Hodges, Georgia Gerber, Callahan McVay and Michael Stadler among others will be available for sale. Also represented are up and coming young artists including photographer Somer Kreisman and ceramist Kelly Foote.

Cribbs said the show is important to her because of the Youth Connection’s unwavering support of local youth.

“Donating artwork to the various youth organization fundraisers is very important to me because, as we know, our future lies in our youth,” said Cribbs.

“They need to be nurtured and stimulated in order to negotiate the many difficult choices and situations they face growing up in our 21st century. My hat is off to the organizers, volunteers and buyers at this event!” she added.

Guests will be treated to musical accompaniment by island musicians. while browsing the displays

So while you’re enjoying the Choochokam Arts Festival activities, take a moment to pop into the Fellowship Hall and stimulate the senses with art for a great cause.

South Whidbey Youth Connection will also offer parking in the church lot during Choochokam Arts festival for $5 per car.

For information, contact Ann Johnson at 221-4142 or e-mail ann@swyouth.com.

Patricia Duff can be reached at 221-5300 or pduff@southwhidbeyrecord.com.