It’s a fundraiser and a way for artists to support the arts organization that’s supported them for nearly 50 years. It’s both an exhibit and an event. It also happens to be a lot of fun.

Arts of the Pamlico will launch its Little Art Exhibit this week, though no little artworks will be hung on the Turnage Theatre gallery’s walls until the end of April. First, the art has to be created.

“The fundraiser is only made possible by the support of local and regional artists,” said AOP Executive Director Joey Toler. “Artists are given an 8-by-10-inch canvas and asked to create a work of art. They then donate to work to AOP where it is sold to patrons.”

In past years, some of the works have resulted in mini-masterpieces in acrylics, oils, mixed-media, textiles, watercolors and even photographs. When the canvases are given out, AOP staff has no idea what will be coming back through the doors — and those who’ve purchased a piece, or four, have no idea which piece may be theirs until the final exhibit.

“The unique aspect of the fundraiser is that patrons do not know which work they will receive until the closing reception. All pieces are randomly numbered and patrons receive a number, or numbers, of their choosing at the time of purchase,” Toler said. “At no time are the numbers known to the public — even AOP staff is not aware of the numbering system.”

AOP start handing out canvases and selling numbers this week. On April 26, the exhibit opens and will be up for several weeks before the closing reception and distribution of canvases takes place on May 19.

“If the past is any indication, we will be selling canvases to the end, as artists are bringing us works right up until the exhibit opens,” Toler said. “The really fun part is when the distribution process is done, and patrons begin to exchange and trade work among themselves.”

Toler refers to the Little Art Exhibit as the perfect fundraiser for Arts of the Pamlico, simply because it represents the inclusiveness of the organization. Just as many amateur artists participate as professional and everyone gets to walk away with an original piece of art, he said.

For more information about the Little Art Exhibit, call 252-946-2504 or visit artsofthepamlico.org. Artists wishing to contribute a piece can pick up canvases at the Turnage Theatre, 150 W. Main St., during AOP’s regular business hours.