By Christy Wolyniak, Intern

Fluid jazz spilled out onto Market Street as people filtered into the Carnegie Library to provide support and enjoy tasteful art, abundant wine and food, and smooth jazz notes courtesy of the Hank Hirsh Quintet from Portland, OR.

“We can’t contribute drugs or surgeries, [so this event] was the next best thing [we could do] to contribute. We wanted to schedule something and participate in regular art walks and have the event coincide with that,” said ROOT integrative health owner, Kourtney Lockwood who organized Saturday's Japan Relief event.

ROOT. Integrative Health opened its doors on March 12, 2011, providing chiropractic, nutrition, medicine and acupuncture services as well as mental health counseling to the local community.

Lockwood invited artists to donate their art for the silent auction and artists Bill Zama, Jocelyn Badali, and Marcie Swift contributed their artwork along with others.

“This event is a great way to help people…there’s this idea of community [attached with art walks] that brings people out,” said Zama.

Stay at home mother of two, Swift described her art as whimsical and childlike, while Zama’s colorful saturated photographs brought a lively, circus-feel to the building.

“Being able to hear the music from the street just welcomed people up the stairs. There is great energy of space, sustenance, and beautiful food,” said guest, Jannae.

The event provided a comfortable atmosphere for networking as ROOT. practitioners stood outside their offices and met with potential clients and shared their knowledge of holistic health practices with the interested guests.

“I see about 2-3 patients a day, depending. Whenever someone comes in with pain and leaves without pain, they’re happy to tell other people about it,” said ROOT. acupuncture specialist, Joey Rueckl.

According to ROOT. mental health counselor, Deanna Waters, the practitioners’ goal was to reach out to the community through this event, inviting people to come and enjoy wine and music and to check out the building.

Ray’s Boat House and Mr. Gyro donated tapas and other foods for the guests. As of Monday morning, $329 was raised for the Japan Relief Effort. All donations were given to Direct Relief International.

“I think [the event] went pretty well. It was really great to see people show up and several donated to the silent auction and everyone was enthusiastic [about it]. Our goal is to be participants in every artwalk,” said Lockwood.