DAPHNE, Ala. — One way to spread holiday cheer may be found at the Believe! Celebration and Art Show, a fundraiser for Santa-America. The benefit will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Eastern Shore Art Center in Fairhope.

Both Santa-America and the art center have collaborated on the art show, which will feature around 120 pieces. The art work will contain an interpretation of Santa Claus’s gifts of love, hope and joy, Cathy Barnette, Santa-America executive director, said.

“This show suits the heart and the people of our community,” Barnette said.

Santa-America, founded in 2003, sends Santas to visit families that have parents or children with terminal illnesses. The Santas visit homes, bearing gifts, year-round, bringing hope to emotionally stressful situations.

Tickets to Thursday’s premiere cost $25 each, in advance or at the door. Those planning to attend are encouraged to make reservations. Proceeds will go toward purchasing gifts for Santas to distribute during their visits, as well as Santa and elf training.

The premiere will include pictures with Santa and hors d’oeuvres. Several of the featured artists will talk about their work and inspiration.

Some artist groups include Sassy Survivors (a group of cancer survivors) and children from Bayside Academy and Spanish Fort Middle School. Local artists such as Carolyn Newcomer and Holly Irwin also will be featured.

“We try to build a sense of community,” Barnette said of the art show’s school-aged artists. “We taught these seventh-graders and kindergartners that they can do something to help children in need — and they got it.”

Barnette said that the art show is an opportunity to take a break from holiday shopping and remember the gifts of love, hope and joy that epitomize the Christmas season.

To make a reservation for Thursday’s benefit, call Barnette at (251) 379-0462 or Rebekah Webb of the Eastern Shore Art Center at 928-2228. The exhibit will premiere to the general public from 5 to 8 p.m. at Fairhope’s First Friday ArtWalk.

The exhibit will then be available weekdays (except Dec. 24–26) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Dec. 28.