Norwich Arts Center will open its May exhibition with a reception on May 1 as part of the town's First Friday activities, featuring works by regional artists. The exhibition culminates in an "Art Heist" fundraiser on May 16, where participants pay $75 for a ticket and, through a drawing, select any available artwork from the gallery wall, guaranteeing each ticket holder a piece valued at over $75, with many worth several hundred dollars.
This event matters because it combines community engagement with arts fundraising in a creative, accessible way, allowing attendees to acquire original art while supporting the Norwich Arts Center. The model lowers barriers to art collecting for the public and generates vital revenue for the institution, highlighting how local arts organizations innovate to sustain programming and foster regional artistic talent.