BRECKENRIDGE — Art and culture is the theme of the fourth annual Evening with the Arts, taking place on Thursday, May 8 from 6-9 p.m. at the Lodgepole Bar and Grill in the Grand Timber Lodge in Breckenridge.

The Evening with the Arts is a benefit for the Upper Blue Elementary PTA and will feature a silent auction with local and regional artwork and cultural events. There will also be wines and a tapas style dinner. Tickets are $50 per person.

The specialty silent auction includes items from artists from the Summit County Arts Council and throughout Colorado. There will also be items donated by local businesses and a huge selection of certificates to regional and local events.

Hearthstone Catering will once again provide a tapas dinner featuring Venison Carpaccio; Duck, Brie and Strawberry Tartlette; Tequila Glazed Shrimp; Szechuan Salmon Cake; desserts and a selection of champagne and wines.

“One of our goals this year is to increase attendance from the community giving local art lovers a chance to view and bid on some of the incredible artwork that’s being produced right here in our community,” said Karen Mason, Upper Blue Elementary PTA Co-Chair.

“We are also proud to display artwork created by our own students including drawings from our annual student art contest. Forty-two students participated in our art contest this year with the winning piece being featured on our invitations and posters.”

An assortment of cards from all of the kid’s artwork will be available for purchase at the event.

“We are really fortunate that our efforts to connect with the arts community has resulted in one of our most enjoyable and successful events for the school,” Mason said. “The generosity of local and regional businesses continues to grow each year, as well as support from our families and staff. We have many talented people connected with our school and this is a great place for them to show off their artistic talents.”

For tickets and information, contact Upper Blue Elementary at (970) 547-9130. R.S.V.P.s with payment are due no later than Friday, May 2.

This year’s 42 student art contest winners are fifth-grader Kaitlin W. with first place; fifth-grader Leroy G. with second; and kindergartner Paul H. with third.

Other participants included in kindergarten: Gwen G, Leif N, Natalie C, Riley L and Samantha R; first grade: Claire C, Garrett N, Nicholas S, Samuel W; second grade: Ali C, Bryn I, Cassidy K, Dominic T, Jenna P, Nic M, Silvie W, Zachary E; third grade: Anna G, Bailey E, Ella P, Elyse G, Esteban N, Holly S, Karina G, Karlee O, Katie M, Keelie R, Laurel S, Natalie L, Tillie S; fourth grade: Alex M, Lexi Z, Michael B, Rachel S; and fifth grade: Claire A, Tanner A, Tessa P. “Magical Creatures and Places” was the theme.