Young people from West Seattle to White Center have found a hub for self-expression at the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, with the Delridge facility becoming home to several different after school arts programs aimed at connecting the local community through collaborative arts education.

Tomorrow, August 21, the community will have an opportunity to support this objective and witness Seattle's diverse artistic talent at Youngstown's "Skiffle" fundraiser.

The term "Skiffle" was used in New Orleans during the early 1900s to describe a "rent party." Proceeds from the event will help cover facility costs, teacher compensation and allow the implementation of new programs.

The fundraiser was proposed by Blank Canvas, an organization that strives to inspire self-expression and impacts communities with day-long events that create and auction off art work for charity.

Eight teams of artists will work throughout the day at Youngstown to create a spontaneous piece of art that will be auctioned off that evening. While some teams will work on traditional four foot by four foot canvas, others will be transforming guitars and basses.

Members of Seattle's popular rock band Modest Mouse will be painting one guitar while some of the other teams will include Youngstown staff and students.

"It's an exciting event because of the velocity of the day," said Kristin Young of Blank Canvas.

The art work will be auctioned off that night as attendees enjoy performances from Youngstown Student performers, such as Messiah, a 17-year-old high school student and studio recording teacher, and celebrity artists including Bison, a band that includes members of Pearl Jam, The Presidents of the United States of America, Guns N' Roses and the Dusty 45s.

"There's a lot of great musicians in West Seattle and I've long wanted to leverage their talent to benefit our programs," said Randy Engstrom from Youngstown Cultural Arts Center.

By covering some of the administrative costs, Youngstown hopes funds from the Skiffle will allow the organization to expand its programming. Currently the center hosts Rock School, Arts Corps and The Service Board.

Rock School offers instrument lessons, courses on songwriting or recording and Band 101, where young people learn the dynamic of playing together. According to Wendy Simmons, president and CEO of Rock School, approximately 50 percent of the schools participants are on a scholarship. Proceeds from the event would help more funds lessons and provide instruments for more students.

"Rock School is a really great place where (young people) can come and express themselves and work with some really inspiring and caring professionals in from the music industry," Simmons said.

Arts Corp offers "All City" programs including Spoken Word Poetry and break dancing taught by a member of the nationally recognized Massive Monkees.

During the school year Youngstown hosts a break dancing class taught by a member of the nationally recognized Massive Monkeys.

Hollis Wear, communications director and teacher at Youngstown, emphasized that the event gives members of the community a great opportunity to see the facilities if they have not yet.

"The event will really encompass the spirit of our programs," Wear said.

Still, the staff at Youngstown is not sure what to expect from their first Skiffle to date.

"We're not sure if there will be 30 or 3,000 people there," Engstrom said. "But it's going to be an amazing night of performances and a great way to support a lot of causes."

Tickets to the event will be charged by a suggested $25 donation at the door. More information is available at www.youngstownarts.org.