Two food trucks, three bands, and 150 original works of art brought hundreds to Art Conspiracy 7 this past Saturday for a chance to add art to their lives and help a children’s charity at the same time. Local artists adorned the walls of511 W. Commerce Streetwith their unique visions on identical 18X18 inch pieces of wood. Artists from all overNorth Texascreated the pieces on site only 24 hours before the event.

The resulting works were as different as the people who painted them, ranging from a fully functional coo-coo clock to a traditional take on Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Opening bids for the pieces began at $20, although several made it well past the $500 mark by the end of the auction thanks to the enthused auctioneers, a high-spirited audience, and—maybe—the help of a little alcohol.

Artist Will Klein says he tends be a hermit when it comes to participating in the art scene, but when asked what brought him to Art Conspiracy his first reaction was “Are you kidding me?”

Klein wasn’t the only one who made a special outing to Art Conspiracy. People in attendance ranged from college students in causal gear to older professionals wearing suits, but everyone had the same excitement seeing walls lined with art and bidding to make them their own. Since its inception Art Conspiracy has raised $110,000 for charity. The numbers haven’t been tallied for the seventh year just yet, but the proceeds will go to Musical Angels, a nonprofit charity that gives piano lessons to hospitalized children.