Are you ready to produce a painting at an art museum?

Then "Come Brush With Jim Thorpe" at the Anita Shapolsky Art Foundation on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. when the Foundation is presenting a community-wide marathon for painters.Anyone, ages 10 and up, from newbies to accomplished artists are invited to competitively paint both inside and outside the Foundation's 19th century former First Presbyterian Church building. A well-wishing curious and cheering audience will provide support and comment.The Painting Marathon is attracting all levels of artists from amateurs to professionals and everything in between," noted Shirley Thomas, assistant director of the Anita Shapolsky Art Foundation and coordinator of the event. "If somebody is passing by, and he or she has a creative urge and would like to jump in the fray, that person is welcome.""There will be a lot of creative energy," Thomas continued. "It will be a time for sharing the creative spirit and mingling with fellow artists.""We wanted an event to involve the community, and be appealing to residents as well as the tourist and arts community," She noted. "This is something that fits the bill. Something for everybody. It's a way of getting together as community. As we are an arts foundation, it is more than appropriate."Although Come Brush With Jim Thorpe is just beginning, already people have asked Thomas if this will become an annual event. She is working to make the first event a success, and then will see what will happen once it is over.After paying a participation fee which goes toward prizes and materials, competing artists receive a 12" by 12" prepared wood panel, brushes and acrylic or latex paints. Artists can provide their own materials which may include: paint, brushes, pencils, crayons, pastels and markers.Paintings will be judged by Foundation director Anita Shapolsky, a longtime gallery owner in New York City, and prizes awarded at 5 p.m. in the Adult and Youth categories of Best of Show and Most Original. Two additional categories are: Adult - Most Productive, and People's Choice-selected by the audience. Artists may sell their paintings through the Foundation. Following the awards ceremony, artists may claim their work.Over a week in advance, the Foundation has received 15 reservations from Jim Thorpe, Lehighton, Hazleton, the Poconos, Reading, Philadelphia, and Eastern Europe.Classical accordionist Doug Makofka will stroll among the painters, entertaining and helping to set a creative mood.Advance registration is encouraged. For information or to register contact: Shirley Thomas,

artsite@ptd.net or (610) 442-4148.