Local artists donate art to benefit community

ENGLEWOOD — With much of the Englewood community in disarray after Hurricane Milton, Kris Hartley and John Watson intend to raise money during this month’s Discover Dearborn.

The event happens on the fourth Tuesday of every month when businesses stay open late to greet new and returning community members.

Discover Dearborn is scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 22 on Dearborn Street. Artists will be showcasing their talents and businesses will be open late.

It’s a chance to meet people and to support local businesses.

October’s theme is “Meet the Artist” with the addition of raising money for the Englewood Chamber of Commerce, local rotary groups and the World Central Kitchen, according to Watson.

“We’re going to have donation stations at least at some of the artists’ stations,” Watson said. “It’s going to be fun.”

Nancy McCune said artists are ready and eager to be a part of the Discover Dearborn event. Local artists in the area have donated seven paintings to be raffled.

“They will be on display at the Dearborn Coffeehouse during the event, so stop by and get your raffle tickets,” McCune said. “All proceeds from this event will be donated to someone who needs our help due to the storms.”

Paintings include a variety of mediums and are ready to hang.

Watson and Hartley work at the Dearborn Coffeehouse and Bakery. Customers have been steadily in and out since Hurricane Milton, enjoying some semblance of normalcy.

With Discover Dearborn, the two are hoping for a good turnout — not only to raise money, but to spend the evening together as a community.

“This is how Englewood rebuilds,” Watson said. “We’ve gotta work together.”

“As a community we have to get together,” Hartley added.

“If one succeeds, we all succeed,” Watson said.