For several Greenhill School seniors, this weekend marks an opportunity to exhibit their talent and creativity as the student artists participate in a group art show on Oct. 18.

But it will be altruism, not just artistic ability, on display at Art with Heart, a benefit organized by student Sophie Galant to raise funds for local charities and her own nonprofit, Kids Teach Kids. Galant started the event three years ago as a means to subsidize Kids Teach Kids, a summer camp free to children in need which has been honored by Texas Christian University's Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Awards and has been profiled nationally in The New York Times.

Several of the artists have been awarded locally and nationally for their accomplishments. Student Grace Wielebinski's 2-D work has been selected as an example for the College Board's Advanced Placement Studio Art exam.

"This year's really cool because I'm a senior and there's only senior artwork," Galant said. "It's kind of like their final chance to show what they've been doing. We just happen to have a bunch of really strong artists in our class."

Participating students donate several pieces of artwork to be sold, with half of the artist's profits going to Kids Teach Kids and the other half allocated to a philanthropy of their choice. Some of the organizations that will benefit from the show include the Solar Cooker Project, SPCA, Amnesty International and Boys and Girls Club.

"It's a wide range," Galant said. "But most people choose something that they're passionate about or familiar with."

Prior to the event Galant works with the artists to decide upon a price point for what will go on sale.

"It's probably one of the hardest things to do," Galant said. "It's student artwork, we're not professionals, but since it is for charity we want to find a good balance."

For Galant and her peers, it's the camaraderie built on the day of the event that is most rewarding.

"It's really exciting seeing all of the students' artwork," Galant said.  "At school we talk a lot about spirit and supporting everyone in sports, but art is another way that you can really support your classmates. This is a really great opportunity for them to show off their talent in the name of a good cause."

IF YOU GO

Visit studentartwithheart.com for time and location information. Email galants@greenhill.org.

Allison Wisk is the editor of North Dallas and Park Cities neighborsgo and can be reached at 214-977-8172 or via e-mail at awisk@neighborsgo.com. Got a story, photo or video you'd like to share? Post them directly on neighborsgo.com. Got a story idea? Send it to me directly. For more about how neighborsgo.com works with our neighborsgo print editions, please visit neighborsgo.com/help.