"Ticket to Art," the May 19 fundraiser hosted by the Vienna Arts Society [VAS], has partnered with American Legion Post 180 of Vienna this year. The purchase of a $125 "ticket" to art entitles raffle winners to choose an original art piece valued between $150 and $650.

Local businesses and individuals donated more than 40 silent auction prizes, from restaurant certificates and services to sports memorabilia and gift baskets. Proceeds benefit the programs of the Vienna Arts Society and the emergency fund for military families in need. May 19 is Armed Forces Day and the artwork theme is "patriotic."

"We wanted to reach out to a charity this year," said "Ticket to Art" committee chair Grace Rooney. "Someone suggested to go to the American Legion and when we did, they said that would be great. Phil [Commander Phil Mishoe] said there are many military families who need help."

Here’s how "Ticket to Art" works. Anyone can buy a raffle ticket for $125. Tickets are drawn from a basket and the holder of the first winning ticket pulled chooses from among the 55 original pieces of contributed art. The second winning ticket holder chooses from the remaining 54 pieces, and so on. There are typically several more pieces of art remaining as the last winning ticket is drawn. Thirty-six artists donated their works.

Silent auction bidding begins at 4 p.m. and runs until 5:30 p.m. Bidding on the silent auction ends at 5:30 p.m. when the art raffle opens. About halfway through the art raffle, VAS hosts will announce the high-bidders of the silent auction. Bidders must be present when winning bids are announced. Exhibition and silent auction prizes are open for public viewing Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The silent auction and art raffle take place at the Vienna Arts Center, 115 Pleasant St., NW, Vienna. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ViennaArtsSociety.org or by phone at 703-319-3971. "Ticket to Art" is in support of the Vienna Arts Society and American Legion Post 180 of Vienna, the emergency fund for military families in need.

The Vienna Arts Society offers art classes for adults and children, and brings children’s art programs into the local library and to public festivities.

"This is a special event because it’s an opportunity to own an original piece of art valued at more than you paid for it," said Rooney. "And it benefits the local American Legion and military families in distress. It’s our only fundraiser of the year, and, it supports our art center programs and our outreach programs."