Carol Laney and ArtPartner Tommy Thompson came up with something pretty catchy for their project.

The two painted a big fish together for the upcoming ArtPartners Auction set for Sept. 17 and titled it “That Fish Doesn’t Know What’s Coming,” implying there might be a big hook coming his way.

The painting reflects Thompson’s love for fishing, he suggested to Laney that they paint a fish.

It’s Laney’s first year to be a hands on ArtPartner artist for the Arc of South Talladega County’s yearly fundraiser, but she’s been on the Comer Museum and Arts Center board for close to 10 years and has volunteered to help in other ways since the auction started five years ago.

The Arc serves adults with delayed developent and some also have physical disabilities, offering programs and activities to enhance their lives.

Through the Arc’s association with VSA Arts of Alabama, Arc clients have been taking art lessons for five years now at Comer Museum with art teacher Connie Vickers.

The ArtPartners Auction is a way the program raise money from within to support the cost of the art program.

Arc of South Talladega County executive director Beverly White can’t say enough about how the art program has opened doors for Arc clients.

“This program has empowered them with something they can do on their own,” she said. “Many of their activities require someone to take them somewhere or to assist them, but they can enjoy their art at home on their own.”

For the ArtPartners Auction, area artists volunteer to work one on one with Arc clients, working together on projects to offer for sale at the auction.

Pubic support for the event has been so strong that the Arc clients’ art program is now self supporting, White said.

For Laney, working with the Arc clients has been hugely rewarding.

“They are so proud of that finished piece,” she said. “I am honored to spend time with them and help.”

This year’s ArtPartners Auction has the theme “An Evening of Art Under the Magnolias” and instead of being held at Comer Museum s in past years, it will be held at the Hightower House on Main Avenue in Sylacauga.

The doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for the event, and the actual live auction begins at 7 p.m. with auctioneer Stevie Wyatt.

White said she expects to have about 50 to 60 pieces in the auction, including paintings, jewelry, some pottery and mixed media as well.

The event includes includes hors’doeuvres and beverages along with entertainment from pianists Martha McKemie and Shera Lou Honeycutt. The Buddy Simpkins Jazz Ensemble will also play, outside on the grounds.

Last year’s auction brought in about $13,000, a little under the usual amount, White said.

The ArtPartners event also invites sponsorships that help add to the total, White said.

Sponsorships range from $75 to $500, and includes donor recognition on an easel, along with complimentary tickets to the event depending upon the level. Sponsors may be individuals or businesses and may also be made in honor of or in memory of someone.

To sponsor easels, or for tickets, you may call White at 256/245-2323.

Artists who volunteer for the ArtPartners program include Tommy Moorehead, Lila Graves, Judy Hartsfield, Jimmy Reynolds Jr., Larry Hurr, Connie Vickers, Mary Ellen Hurr, Chick Lively, Sue Ridley, Shirley Pody, Mindy Buckley, Don Smith, Cheryl Eyster, Maurice Cook, Larry Allen, Donna Rentfrow, Carol Laney, Lisa Norris and Perry Austin.