Mannequin parts become a \"Body of Art\" in a celebrity fundraiser at the Performing Arts Studio in Norman

"Body of Art"
Wednesday-Friday
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday through Friday
artists' reception and auction, 6-8 p.m. Saturday
Performing Arts Studio
200 S. Jones, Norman
Auction tickets, $50
307-9320 or www.thepas.org

Some big names in Norman are giving a hand to the local arts community "? literally.

An assortment of mannequin hands, legs and other body parts are transformed into works of art to raise funds for Norman's Performing Arts Studio. City celebrities like University of Oklahoma President David Boren, Norman Mayor Cindy Rosenthal and "Project Runway" competitor Kayne Gillaspie will turn the bland body parts into themed pieces.

The studio's executive director, Debra Levy Martinelli, said the artists' only rule was to be creative and sign their work.

"We approached a number of community leaders and asked them in the name of fundraising to decorate a mannequin part we gave them," she said. "Without fail, everyone we asked said they'd participate."

"Body of Art" is on display from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. today through Friday at the Performing Arts Studio, 200 S. Jones. The pieces will be auctioned off during an artists' reception 6-8 p.m. Saturday.

Martinelli said the idea for using mannequin pieces came from studio board member Sharon Moody, who wanted to step away from decorating traditional items, like furniture.

All proceeds will support The Performing Arts Studio and its programs, which include the Summer Breeze and Winter Wind concert series. Tickets are $50. For more information, call 307-9320 or visit www.thepas.org. "?Luke Atkinson

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