Art Under the Stars Charity Auction
Local artists invited to submit work for charity art auction benefiting Stars Academy scholarships in Port Charlotte, Florida.
Art Under the Stars is a charity art auction and gala event designed to raise funds for scholarships at Stars Academy, a low-cost child care center in Port Charlotte, Florida. The event celebrates creativity while supporting early childhood education access for working families in Charlotte County.
Stars Academy was established in 2022 by Gulf Coast Partnership following Hurricane Ian's impact on local child care infrastructure. The center currently serves 55 children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, offering some of the lowest child care fees in the region ($208-$255 weekly for full-time care). However, many working families earning above subsidy thresholds still struggle with costs, creating a gap the scholarship fund aims to address.
Local and regional artists are invited to participate by submitting their work for auction. Artists have two compensation options: donate work outright, or enter a consignment agreement where they set a minimum acceptable price. Any auction proceeds exceeding the minimum go directly to the scholarship fund. Artists welcome include painters, sculptors, photographers, fashion designers, and mixed-media creators.
The event is scheduled for March 14, 2026, from 6:00-9:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity Event Center in Port Charlotte. It will feature live and silent auctions, online bidding, live entertainment, performing arts, and interactive art-making experiences. This is not a traditional sit-down gala but rather an immersive arts celebration designed to engage community members, philanthropists, and artists.
Sponsorship opportunities remain available for businesses and individuals seeking to support early childhood education access. Proceeds directly fund the Stars Academy Scholarship Fund, helping working families afford quality child care.