Got Walls? FOCUS to Hold Wet Paint Fundraiser

Do you need art? Do Farmington students need substance abuse prevention programs? If either are true, or to just enjoy the best offerings of local artists and restaurants, there's Wet Paint, benefitting FOCUS.

FOCUS, a nonprofit group composed of parents, educators, social service, health care and law enforcement professionals, works with Farmington Public Schools and the Department of Youth and Community Services to support substance prevention programs, promote healthy choices and increase awareness.

“Wet Paint,” a silent and live art auction, will be held Friday at 7 p.m. at the Farmington Community Center to benefit the FOCUS Fund. The fund supports a wide variety of prevention education programs and chem-free activities for Farmington students in grades 5 -12:

• Prevention Education for over 2,700 students in grades 5-12 each year with connected programs for parents, faculty, coaches and athletes.
• FHS Senior Safety Program to support the transition from high school to college or independent living.
• Project Graduation and Chem-Free Events: FHS after-school clubs and Friday night Open Gym, Irving A. Robbins Wellness Day and after-school sports.
• Student Attitudes and Behavior Survey: a triennial survey of all students in grades 8-12 to assess actual and perceived levels of use, providing valuable data to school faculty to help target prevention education.
• Anti-Smoking Poster Contest for 5th and 6th graders.
• Peer Leader workshops and participation with 8th grade to high school transition activities.
• The FOCUS Collection of nearly 50 books and DVDs about teen substance abuse at the Farmington Public Library.

The auction is unique in that it will feature mostly original art by local artists and artisans from the Farmington Valley and beyond, said a FOCUS release. Robert Noreika, a prominent national award winning artist and illustrator, will provide a watercolor demonstration. The finished painting will be auctioned that evening. Also featured will be a watercolor by Garth Meehan, a local builder/architect, parent and Farmington High School grad, whose juried work has been shown at the New Britain Museum of Art.

Suzy Whaley, PGA Professional and FOCUS Honorary Chair will emcee the evening. 

Food stations will feature small plates provided by Apricot’s, Cugino’s, Flaggstead Smokehouse, Matthew’s Restaurant, Caffeine's Café, Yume Japanese Steakhouse, Taylor Made Cakes and more from Chef Paul Obarowski and students from Teen Battle Chef. A cash bar is sponsored by Mark and Wendy Wilson of Crazy Bruce’s.

Live music by MAJK Jazz will also be provided. 

“We are very grateful to the many artists, businesses and individuals who have so generously supported the auction,” said Ginny Mulpeter, FOCUS chairman. 

Tickets can be purchased by mail or online for $25 or $30 at the door.

The Farmington Community Center is located at 321 New Britain Ave., Unionville.