On Saturday April 14th, a small crowd gathered in the junior high gym for the Student Humanitarian Organization’s fourth annual “Art for a Cause” event.
All money raised by the silent art auction goes to an or

"Melted Crayons", by Junior Sarah Collicot, at right, was one of the most expensive pieces for $20

ganization called “Seeds of Hope,”which is based in Indianapolis and distributes funds to aid schools and children in Swaziland. In the past, West Side has also done a pen-pal program with those students.
The art itself ranged from photography and paintings to jewelry and ceramics, all donated by West Side art students and parents as well as local artists.  SHO President Erin Sommer and club member Grace Van Sickel explained that they also request pieces from local galleries and businesses. “Sometimes they donate and sometimes not,” Grace said.
The group collected a total of 90 pieces this year, many of which sold. “If no one buys them, then we’ll just save it for next year,” said Junior Sarah Collicot. She pointed out several pieces that had been in the auction the year before.
Senior Clara Danao said her favorite piece was a the three-legged-cup by local artist Virginia Russell because of the unique shape. “There are two different styles and four different colors of flowers on it,” she said. “It’s just very interesting.”
Other pieces that drew interest were “Peacock Feather”, a painting by West side alum Caitlyn Casseday, “Melted Crayons” by junior Sarah Collicot, and a set of jewelry created by Erin Sommer’s mom, Anne Sommer.

Entertainment included MDBK as DJs and a performance by the all-girls a-capella group “Perfect Pitches”.
There was a smaller crowd this year than in years past, which Sarah attributed to tennis and track meets going on that day. “We still have a pretty decent sized crowd,” she said.