tyler — The City of Tyler’s Main Street Department has announced a new project aimed at raising funding for the operation of Gallery Main Street, as well as involving hundreds of people in the arts.

The project, “6x6@110” will take place in September, but now is time for preparatory work, said Main Street Department Leader Beverly Abell.

“We will need the support of our entire artist community, our leaders and the public in order for this project to succeed,” Abell said, adding, “It will be great fun to be part of the event.”

The 6x6 part of the project’s title is, of course, due to the use of 6” x 6” canvases. The 110 in the title refers to the gallery’s address, 110 W. Erwin.

Artists are being asked to do paintings on 6” x 6” canvases that the gallery supplies. But, Abell said, the request isn’t limited to artists.

“We are going to ask leaders and celebrities on local, national and even international levels to join in the fun,” she said. “We’re sending canvases and a request to create art to many, many people.”

The goal is to have 500 canvases to hang in an exhibit that will begin with an opening party on September 6. Each work of art will be sold for a set price. The key is that the purchaser will not know who painted the piece until the purchase is completed, and the canvas is turned over to reveal the artist’s name.

Not only will oils and acrylics be part of the event, but watercolors, photography and even 3-D items will be accepted for the exhibit as long as they can be mounted to the gallery-provided canvas and not extend beyond the 6” x 6” dimensions of the canvas.

Since the event is being underwritten by AT&T, 100% of the proceeds of 6x6 will go back to the gallery.

“AT&T understands the importance of a healthy, vibrant downtown, and the importance of the arts in the movement in revitalizing downtown,” Abell said. “We are grateful for their support and vision.”

Those who would like to participate in 6x6 should call Gallery Main Street at (903) 593-6905. Full guidelines on how to participate are available online at www.cityoftyler.org on the Main Street Department page. Canvases and guidelines are also available at Gallery Main Street, 110 W. Erwin.