Apr 02, 2012 | ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. — Art From the Heart, an annual program that turns budding elementary school artists into philanthropists, returns to St. Bonaventure University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts on Monday, April 2, with a reception for the artists and a silent auction of their work.

The event, which is open to all at no charge, runs from 6 to 7:30 p.m. It begins with an opportunity to view the exhibited works and concludes with presentations and the awarding of the art to the successful bidders.

Proceeds from the auction will benefit Embrace it Africa, a university affiliated service group that has been helping a school and orphanage in Uganda since 2008.

Art From the Heart began four years ago as a way to inspire young artists, expand their understanding of the world, and help them do something to help others.

“What’s great is that the students are actually becoming philanthropists through their artwork,” said Evelyn Sabina, curator of education at The Quick Center, who organizes the annual project.

This year, Art From The Heart comes full circle, returning to Olean’s Washington West Elementary School, where the project began four years ago. In subsequent years, other area elementary schools were involved, with auction proceeds aiding other groups in need.

Cari Matejka, a third-grade teacher at Washington West, said her colleague Laura Hamed came up with the original concept. “The idea was to have the students create something, then sell it and raise money to aid a worthy cause,” she said.

Along the way, the students learn valuable life lessons, said Matejka. This year, the students made masks as a way to connect with the African children who will benefit from their generosity.

“We wanted to reinforce the idea that while we’re all different on the outside, inside we’re all very similar,” said Matejka. “We’re able to talk to the students about the virtues of love, compassion and service to others.”

St. Bonaventure senior Cydney Kramer, an international studies major from Amherst, N.Y., and a member of Embrace it Africa who has made two trips to Uganda, has been involved with Art From the Heart for several years.

“This has been one of my favorite projects,” she said. “It’s so unique to be able to pair a small school in Olean with a school in Uganda. The kids get so excited and it’s so rewarding. And it’s an important part of what Bonaventure is about: working not only in the local community, but carrying that mission of service out into the world as well.”

And getting to be part of an exhibition at St. Bonaventure’s renowned arts center is pretty neat, too.

“It’s an amazing experience,” said Sabina. “It’s not only the students who are awed to see their work displayed at the Quick Center, but their parents and family members are thrilled as well.”

Approximately 100 student artists will display their works at Monday’s event. The evening will include a presentation by representatives of Embrace it Africa. Refreshments will be served.

About the University: Inspired for more than 150 years by the Catholic Franciscan values of individual dignity, community inclusiveness, and service, St. Bonaventure University cultivates graduates who are confident and creative communicators, collaborative leaders and team members, and innovative problem solvers who are respectful of themselves, others, and the diverse world around them