On Saturday, March 26, the fourth annual Carbon County Support Women Artists Now Day (SWAN) luncheon will be held at the Harry Packer Mansion in Jim Thorpe from 12:30-4 p.m.

SWAN Day is an international event that celebrates women artists with talent in any art form, including the performing arts.The idea for SWAN Day grew out of collaboration between Women Arts and Chicago's Women in the Audiences Supporting Women Artists Now (WITASWAN), which is an informal alliance of women who are using their power as consumers to increase opportunities for women artists.Saturday's luncheon is one way local artists can get together and share their artwork, creative ideas and offer one another encouragement.The event is supported by Indian River Art Guild, a group whose mission is to find venues for artists to display their work.Sandi Crum, the group's director, said woman artists and their talents have been overlooked for years. Events such as SWAN Day help artists promote their work and "celebrate their creativity."Every year the luncheon benefits a charitable organization.This year, all of the proceeds will go to Family Promise of Carbon County. Family Promise is establishing a program to provide homeless families with shelter, food and tools to become self-sufficient.Crum says the SWAN Day luncheon is a wonderful opportunity to help a great cause, meet other artists in the area and to have an exceptional meal in an elegant environment.Included in the cost of the luncheon is a glass of wine and the opportunity to win prizes donated by local businesses.There will also be a presentation recognizing artists and their work.Women artists who would like to attend this year's event can contact Crum at (570) 386-3433. Please call for reservations as space is becoming limited.