Artistically inclined students in the William S. Hart Union High School District are invited to submit their works of inspiration to be showcased at the Valley Industry Association’s Winter Wonderland BASH event scheduled Saturday, Nov. 8.

Seven to 10 student art pieces that best represent the theme, “Winter Inspires Growth,” will be selected for the showcase. The winning works will be placed up for silent auction and the proceeds will support the VIA Connecting to Success Program, a workforce readiness program for Hart District students.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for our talented young local artists to have their work seen and appreciated by a who’s who of the local business community,” said VIA President and CEO Kathy Norris. “The proceeds benefit students right here in the Santa Clarita Valley, so it’s a win-win for aspiring artists, art lovers and local students.”

All student artwork selected for the showcase will be featured in the full color program for the BASH. Submissions must be original, student-created artwork that meets the following guidelines:

* One piece per student in any medium. (Acrylics, oils, water color, pastels, mixed media.)

* Artwork must be two-dimensional except for collage entries, which may not extend more than a half-inch from the surface. Collages must be 80 percent paper prepared by the artist, with no more than 20 percent coming from newspapers, magazines, found objects, etc.

* 16 x 20 minimum, 24 x 36 maximum size.

* Electronically produced entries must be printed at full size and matted.

* Artwork must be completely dry or fixed.

* Works on paper should be matted for protection. Works on stretched canvas or canvas board do not need to be matted.

* No framed artwork.

Artwork should be submitted by Friday, Oct. 24, to Gail Pinsker at the Hart District office. Winners will be notified by Oct. 31, and will receive a complimentary ticket to the VIA BASH event Nov. 8.

The black-tie event is expected to sell out the grand ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Valencia. The BASH is also a fundraiser for the VIA Education Foundation, which oversees Connecting to Success, an annual program providing high school students from all SCV high schools with training for entering the workforce. Connecting to Success is a three-session program that covers everything from how to prepare for a job interview to proper business ethics. This year’s BASH features Snowflake Sponsorships, with each $25 contribution covering the cost of one student to attend Connecting to Success.

Keeping the VIA BASH energy level up and getting people on the dance floor will be local band Blue Sky. Featuring the talents of Rudi Bendig, Steve Dole, Warren George, Melanie Meyer and Steve Tannehill, the band plays current and classic rock, pop and R&B hits.

This year’s BASH sponsors include Southern California Edison and American Business Machines at the Crystal level; Silver sponsors Bayless Engineering & Manufacturing, the city of Santa Clarita, Courier-Messenger, Hyatt Regency Valencia; LBW Insurance & Financial Services, Logix Federal Credit Union, PCS Group, Storm Water Resources and US Bank; Sparkle sponsors Custom Human Resource Solutions and Cohen Law; and Henry Rodriguez State Farm.

Sponsorships and program book advertisements are available starting at $259. For more information and tickets, contact the VIA office at (661) 294-8088 or admin@via.org.