Butler is fortunate in having a vibrant arts community. Later this month, a major consortium of arts organizations is hosting a black-tie fund raiser at Slippery Rock University that will help support current and pending projects.

The Butler Arts Council of Butler County, which represents 11 community organizations, will be elevating its public image with its "Affair with the Arts" fund raiser to be held at Slippery Rock University's student union on Aug. 20.

The group is aiming to raise money to fund the organization's activities, including restoration work to the group's home at 412 N. Main Street and associated work to create the Butler County Cultural Village.

Developing the concept of a cultural village in Butler is the arts community's idea to develop a critical mass of arts entertainment and instruction in Butler to continue the long tradition of excellence in the arts. A result of that effort will be to help bring people into downtown Butler. And that, in turn, will provide opportunities for restaurants and retail shops to flourish.

The $125 tickets for the "Affair of the Arts" will help fund the Arts Council's efforts and will earn buyers a chance at winning some of $8,000 worth of prizes to be awarded at the event, including a trip to Italy and a Mediterranean cruise.

Tickets and additional information are available at the Butler Symphony Office on Main Street or by calling 724-283-4829.