DOWAGIAC — The walls of the Round Oak Revisited in Dowagiac, typically bare, wooded panels, will soon be covered in colorful creations in order to support a local artist group.

The Cass Area Artists will host a fundraiser from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. June 28 at the Round Oak Revisited, 137 S. Front St., Dowagiac. The event will feature a silent auction with original art and donated items. The auction items will include abstract, modern and traditional art in a number of different styles including clay, oil, acrylic, fiber and turned wood. The Round Oak Revisited will also have special menu items on sale to pair with the event.

“We will have many great pieces from local artists, many of whom are members of the Cass Area Artists,” said Tom Rose, director of the Cass Area Artists.

The money raised from the fundraiser will go toward a number of programs put on by the artist group, including art classes. Most notably, the Cass Area Artists plan to use money from the auction fundraiser to support an art show for area high school students. Last year, the Cass Area Artists hosted the art show at the Cass District to library to much success, which prompted the group to host the art show again this year, Rose said.

“It was incredible to see the response from students, but it was even more incredible to see the response from parents. They were just beaming to see their kids displaying their artwork and being successful,” he said. “Our plan for that project is to continue to include more high schools and, if we have the funds, give them money to help with the matting and framing of their artwork.”

After deciding to host a silent auction as its fundraiser, planning fell into place for the artist group, Rose said, with the Round Oak Revisited offering its services and many artists deciding to donate their pieces for the fundraiser.

“Everything has been coming together smoothly, so we believe the event will go smoothly as well,” Rose said. “This is our first auction. We want it to be successful, and we want people to go home with some art.”

Rose said he hopes the auction is successful and will help the Cass Area Artists provide services to the community, as he believes the presence of the artist group is important to Cass County.

“We provide a local art presence. Communities that are successful almost always have an art presence in the community,” he said. “Art is important to the culture of the community and provides an outlet for local artists. … We want to preserve that and continue to keep art alive in Cass County.”