Walton Foundation for Independence’s 9^th annual Undercover Artists Show on Thursday, April 16, goes big this year with a Hollywood theme and the addition of a related 5K event. 

The popular annual event promises “A Night With the Stars,” featuring fine food by Jennifer Shuford’s Tastefully Yours; music by Statler & Waldorf and The Henry’s; champagne cocktails and mARTinis. But the spotlight is on the undercover art auction, featuring original works by more than 100 local artists, community leaders and celebrities—with a twist. All artists’ names are hidden until the very end of the silent auction so that each piece can be judged and bid upon based on its own merit and appeal to the bidder. 

This unique auction with its “undercover” artists supports the concept that beauty is in the eye of the beholder—and that abilities shouldn’t be judged by a preconceived notion, said Haley Hamam, Associate Development Officer, Special Events, at the Walton Foundation for Independence. “The underlying theme of the Undercover Artists Show fits so beautifully with the mission of the Walton Foundation,” said Hamam. “The real stars are the people with disabilities throughout the CSRA whom we work with every day through accessible housing, assistive technology, sports and leisure programs—a little helping hand that can improve their quality of life.” 

As always, the event helps send more than 50 children and young adults ages 8 to 21 to Camp To Be Independent, Walton Foundation’s summer spend-the-night camp for those with an acquired brain injury—at absolutely no charge.

This year, the Thursday night event will be followed by the first annual 5K Run With Art In Memory of Kath Engler on Saturday, April 18. Engler was a local artist and longtime supporter of the Undercover Artists Show, and proceeds from the 5K run and 1-mile fun run will benefit Camp TBI as well as Walton Winter Weekend, a new winter camp for children with physical disabilities and their families. The run, walk or roll event is open to all ages and abilities and features fun art activities and fitness instruction. 

The 9th Annual Undercover Artists Show is presented by Barney’s Pharmacy and is on Thursday, April 16, at 7 p.m. at Julian Smith Casino, 2200 Broad St. Tickets are $50. To make your reservations, contact the Walton Foundation for Independence at 706-826-5809 or email [email protected]. 

The 5K Run With Art event is presented by HealthSouth/Walton Rehabilitation Hospital and starts on Saturday, April 18, at 8:30 a.m. on the HealthSouth campus, 1355 Independence Dr. Pre-registration is $25 or $30 on the day of the event; children’s registration is $10. All those who register by April 10 will receive a signature T-shirt. To register, visit www.waltonfoundation.net/5K.