For artists and art enthusiasts, an event this weekend will allow even the most stretched wallet to buy supplies and artwork.

The Kalispell Senior Center’s “ARTstravaganza,” held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19, at the senior center at 403 Second Avenue West, will showcase local artists and offer good deals. Admission is free.

Sandy Marker, one of the organizers for the event, said the Flathead’s community of artists could use the event to their advantage.

“The idea was to give artists, who are always looking for a bargain, an opportunity to buy quality supplies at bargain prices,” she said. “But then artists asked if they could have a show, too.”

The event is a fundraiser for the center, and a table will be manned to sign up locals as members of the senior center. Proceeds will go toward the center’s programs, activities and services, as well as general upkeep.

Raffle tickets will be sold at the door, and winners will receive valuable prizes donated by artists and businesses from around the Flathead Valley and Montana.

Some of these include frames, paintings, supplies and gift certificates.

“There will be fine art photographs, gift cards, original art and reprints,” Marker said. “It’s a good time to start Christmas shopping.”

Barb Abbott, a senior center member and former teacher of the center’s weekly art class, said it is fairly common for artists to buy equipment and supplies they never end up using, and the ARTstravaganza is a good excuse to donate some of those supplies to help raise money for the center.

“We welcome all artists and just anyone in the valley who can appreciate a little art,” she said.

One of the most prized works up for grabs in the raffle is a Hank Lawshe print. The late Lawshe was a Montana artist who specialized in winter Western scenes. Other prints from Montana artists such as Jean Hansen and Lois Mower are in the raffle as well.

Tickets are on sale for a dollar each, or six for $5.

Donations of supplies, including art books, frames, matting and framing tools, brushes, paints, pastels and storage cases — among many other possibilities — are welcome. They can be dropped off during the week at the Kalispell Senior Center. For more information, call the center at 257-1598.