The Humane Society of Northeast Georgia is getting creative on behalf of lots of homeless pets. Friday night the organization will play host to Art with Heart, an art showing and silent auction from 7-10 p.m.

 This year will be the second year for the fundraiser with all proceeds benefiting the shelter's operations and the animals in its care.

 "Most of our fundraising events are sporting events, such as our golf tournament and 5K run," says Rick Aiken, president of the HSNEGA. "We wanted to host a new event with a festive focus that would appeal to a different type of animal welfare supporter."

The benefit will take place at the Elks Club located on Riverside Drive in Gainesville.

The evening will feature fine art, folk art, pottery, woodworking, sculpture and other types of artwork donated by national and regional artists including Amanda Carder, Janet Cornett, Travis Massey and John Kollock.

All artwork will be available for silent auction during the event.

The event also will showcase local musicians and singer-songwriters — including April Cummings, Chad Bowmar, Bruce Adams, Lauren St. Jane, Alex Hall and Stephanie Grenier — who will perform "in the round," as well as entertainment by magician Jeff McClure.

 Tickets include a dinner buffet. A cash bar also will be available.

Tickets for the event are $35 per person. A limited number of tickets are available for the event; any remaining tickets will be available at the door. To learn more, please call Julie Edwards, HSNEGA Director of Development & Marketing, at 770-532-6617 or visit www.hsnega.org.