Entering its 45th year, the free "art show with a heart" on May 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. will feature 175 artists throughout the campus, exhibiting a collection of paintings, ceramics, crafts, paper and fiber arts, jewelry, photographs and sculpture.

Don Miller, the advisor to the art show chairman, says the show is aimed to provide an outlet for artists but even more so to benefit the community as a whole.

"We like to feel that we are introducing youngsters to art," he said. "We believe in supporting art at every level."

In addition to the professional art on display, a select amount of art from 30 nearby schools will be hung in the children's area. "They don't sell, but the kids get to invite the whole family. It gives them a little pride," Miller said.

The child-friendly area also features hands-on art opportunities, a Bounce House, face painting, and an antique firetruck from the Saratoga Fire Department for kids to play on.

Although the show hosts 175 artists, Miller said the jury sees at least twice that amount. This year, the jury was comprised of Carol Hutchinson, a professional artist; Lissa Jones, an art consultant; Charles Escott, a retired West Valley College jewelry instructor; and David Ogle, a pottery instructor at the community college.

The jury felt 175 artists would be the optimal number of artists to include because "it's the right size for the campus, and it's the right size to see everything and get back and look again if you want to," Miller said.

A variety of foods will be served, such as barbecued chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs and the famous Saratoga Pepperbelly, featuring an Italian sausage with special sauce, onions and peppers on sourdough.

To further stimulate the senses, live entertainment will be featured throughout the day. Performances will be held on a main stage as well as offstage.

The event usually draws a crowd of 20,000 to 25,000 visitors; however, Miller is apprehensive to put an estimate on this year's turnout. "It's a funny year, so our ability to predict is not very good. I am hoping that since the economy and war have turned to a better side that maybe people will come out," Miller said. "While it's a fundraising event, it is run as a community event. Lots of people come to chat, see friends and have a good time. Maybe they don't buy art, and that's fine."

Over the years the show has provided more than $1,300,000 to several organizations. Each year the money is distributed in response to grant requests submitted to the Saratoga Rotary Charitable Foundation. Benefactors have included Saratoga High School, the Saratoga Union School District, Our Lady of Fatima, InnVision, Child Quest International, Montalvo, Second Harvest Food Bank, Boy Scouts of America and the Southwest YMCA.

For more information, visit www.saratogarotary.org. West Valley Community College is located at 14000 Fruitvale Ave. in Saratoga. Parking is free.

Rotary Art Show

Main Stage

10­11 a.m.—Frisco Jazz Band, playing Dixieland jazz

11:15 a.m.­12:15 p.m.—Kapalaikiko, featuring Hawaiian music and dancers

12:30­1:30 p.m.—Talk of the Town, an a cappella quartet

1:45­2:45 p.m.—Fiddler's Fancy, a Celtic trio

3­4 p.m.—@jazz, playing jazz standards and bebop

4:15­5:15 p.m.— Saratoga Sister City Taiko, Japanese drumming group

Roving Entertainment

10 a.m.­3 p.m.—Honeydew & Jetlag, a clown duo performing magic and juggling

Noon­2 p.m.—Jim Stevens, singing children's songs

2­3 p.m.—Talk of the Town, an a cappella quartet