Third Annual Junk 2 Funk Event Set for Friday

One person’s rubbish is another’s art.

That’s one of the ideas behind this Friday’s Junk 2 Funk event at .

Local artists will be showing — and auctioning — artwork that includes jewelry, lamps and an oak door repurposed as a table (to name a few).

But the other goal is to raise money for , a free health clinic for the area’s underserved.

The event is sponsored by stArt NEO (formerly Lakewood is Art), with support from Local Girl Gallery, Coffee for a Cause and North Coast Health Ministry.

Ruthie Koenigsmark, president of stArt NEO, said that more than 25 artists are participating in the event, which runs from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday.

“The whole idea behind creating this event around Earth Day was to really encourage people to take a creative look at things before they throw them away,” she said. “There’s absolutely nothing run-of-the-mill with these art pieces — they are one of a kind.”

Koenigsmark said the goal this year is raise $3,000. The third annual event has sold out in its first two years, and is expected to do so again this year. those interested in attending the event are encouraged to buy their tickets soon.

All proceeds will benefit the North Coast Health Ministry.

“It’s amazing that we have this resource in our community,” Koenigsmark said. “With the economy the way it is, they are seeing more and more patients.”

There will be wine, appetizers and dessert, as well as Fair Trade coffee courtesy of Coffee for a Cause. More than 25 area restaurants donated food for the event.

“It’s been a wonderful collaboration,” Koenigsmark said. “Everybody does there part and we really create a wonderful event.”

Tickets can be purchased ahead of time for $12 by visiting the North Coast Health Ministry website. If there are any tickets left on the day of the event, they will be $15 at the door.