Artists, a coffee shop owner, poets, bands and others are aiming to spread awareness on domestic violence for the 10th annual Night of HOPE.

The non-profit organization HOPE of East Central Illinois will have art pieces from local artists available for auction throughout the month of September at Jackson Avenue Coffee to raise awareness of domestic violence.

The art pieces will be up for display and available for bidding on the walls of Jackson Avenue Coffee. The bidding started Monday and will continue through Sept. 27 until the event Night of HOPE bidding closes at 9 p.m.

Along with the auctioning, there will be raffle tickets that cost $5 for purchase until Night of HOPE.

Gaye Harrison, a board member of HOPE, said domestic violence is an on-going issue, and the efforts of HOPE continue all year long.

“Music and art seems like a very good vehicle to spread awareness on domestic violence,” Harrison said. “We have been overwhelmed by the response by local artists.”

Night of HOPE will be from 6 – 10 p.m. Sept. 27 at Jackson Avenue Coffee.

The event will have bands throughout the night and a poetry session.

Jackson Avenue Coffee will donate 20 percent of its food and drink purchases throughout the day for Night of HOPE.

An open house will take place Friday from 6 – 8 p.m., where the artist will be available for a meet-and-greet, and people can start bidding on their desired piece.

HOPE of East Central Illinois is a non-profit organization that empowers people to live independent, non-violent lives through the provisions of Housing, Outreach, Prevention and Education.

Althea Pendergast, the executive director of East Central Illinois, said people will be able to purchase the piece at a buy now price, and they will be able pick it up at Night of Hope on Sept. 27.

All the proceeds will go to HOPE of East Central Illinois and support domestic violence education and awareness.

Pendergast said she hopes the event will help people understand what HOPE’s services are.

Owner of Jackson Avenue Coffee and board member of HOPE Dan Reible said the night will be filled with camaraderie, and it is a social activity that will benefit the community.

Bands Violins Against Violence, Reverend Robert, Motherlode and Tequila Mockingbird will be performing.

Isaac Crounch, Amy Caltry, Robert Wiseman and Duke Bagger will be some of the local artists featured.

Hannah Eads, a former art professor and local artist, said this is her first time participating for Night of HOPE .

“I am glad to contribute my art,” Eads said.

Stacey Catterson can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].