By Gerri Miller

Staff Writer

Thirteen artists gathered at Gold Star Park in Wetumpka Saturday for the Second Annual Coosa River Art Expo and it was for a great cause.

These local artists came to sell their artwork in support of the Breast and Body Health Boutique in downtown Wetumpka. A portion of each entry fee will be donated to the boutique.

Breast and Body Health Inc. collaborates with the boutique to bring comfort, care and services to cancer patients. The boutique also provides cancer awareness, cancer prevention and education classes to youth and breast self-exams training and proper bra fitting classes for women.

Rhonda Sims, coordinator of the Expo, said last year’s event raised $350 for the boutique. The artists participating represented created a wide range of products, from painted wine bottles to woodwork, ceramics, jewelry, flower pots and beautiful paintings. One artist even made jewelry out of spoons.

Las Maya’s brought a food truck to the Expo and the Sweet Hook up brought sweets such as cotton candy. One vendor brought fried peach and apple pies. Musical artists the Fliptones gave a relaxing vibe to the event.

Sims said the event served as an opportunity for artists in the region to sell and showcase their work, and even to demonstrate how they create their artwork.

“It’s been really nice today,” Sims said. “The weather is great and there are lots of folks out shopping and going to birthday parties in the park.”

Artists with the Expo are also having their first Art Contest. Artist Ages 18 and over can submit original artwork in several categories for a small fee. Payment should be made to the CRAE Spring Expo Art Contest to compete for placement awards and cash prizes. More information on the contest is to come. Contact Rhonda Sims on the Coosa River Art Expo Facebook page for more information. Email [email protected] for more information.