Some of the finest art comes from young minds and hearts, and the Food for Thought Benefit on May 26 will have some of the best available for you to own. This year, the Orcas Island Education Foundation’s major fundraiser for the public schools is a “Picnic By The Sea” at Four Winds Camp. Tickets are $40 per person or $75 per couple. Enjoy barbecued brisket, hamburgers, veggie options, all the sides and dessert. Beer, wine and lemonade will be available and entertainment provided by JP and the OK Rhythm Boys.

Tickets include free childcare at the camp as well as a free ride. A school bus will be waiting in front of the school at 5:30 p.m. The event starts at 6 p.m. and the bus returns by 9 p.m.

“We wanted to make it as easy, affordable and fun as possible this year,” says OIEF President Janet Brownell. “We also want everyone to see what amazing things our public school students create.”

Many of the student creations available to purchase with donations to OIEF are currently being shown at the Orcas Center in the Student Art Exhibit. Island artists are also working with classrooms to create ocean-inspired artifacts for the event.

“Our school is facing the most severe cutbacks created by the lack of government funding it has ever had to endure. OIEF is committed to maintaining the excellent programs our schools offer, and the funds we raise at this event is a huge part of our committed dollars to make it happen,” says Brownell.

Tickets are at www.oief.org, at Darvill’s or at the elementary school office.  To reserve your seat on the bus, call 376-1500. For childcare, contact Barbara Skotte at 376-3039.