Raising funds for art and music in juvie detention

This fundraiser for arts and music programs at Travis County juvenile detention may interest Grits readers. Via KXAN:

The cool, spring-like colors fall down the canvas like rain streaking a window - an exquisite piece of art worthy of any collector's wall.

But the creator is not your typical artist, if there is such a thing. He is Zachary, one of 53 convicted juveniles from the Gardner-Betts Juvenile Justice Center whose artwork is up for auction this week at the Real Estate Council of Austin.

Click here and here to see slideshows of the art up for bid. People can stop by now and enter their bid, or hit the art show this week.

On Wednesday, May 19, the council will host the Gardner-Betts Art Show benefiting Project Bridge, the justice center's art and music program - and featuring original works by the juveniles who live in that facility.

Bids are open now, but the silent auction ends at the art show on Wednesday, May 19, 2010, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on the lobby level of San Jacinto Center, 98 San Jacinto Blvd.

Project Bridge began in 1996 and, with the help of funding from the council, has grown every year. It is for eligible girls and boys ages 14 to 17 who have been convicted of a crime and, instead of serving a sentence in the Texas Youth Commission, are sent to Gardner-Betts in Travis County.

The Austin Lyric Opera administers the program and provides the teachers and instruction to the kids (music and art component).

Kudos to the Real Estate Council of Austin for sponsoring the annual fundraiser.