A one-of-a-kind art fundraiser combines original artwork, community, and a little friendly anticipation—all in support of free art education for local children.
Art lovers, mark your calendars and get ready to SWOOP!
The Great Fall SWOOP, ‘Tis Art Center & Gallery’s annual fundraiser benefiting its free children’s art education programs, returns Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the ‘Tis Gallery Third Floor Banquet Hall in downtown Prescott.
Part art exhibition, part fundraiser, and part white elephant-style exchange, the SWOOP gives guests the opportunity to go home with an original piece of art while helping ensure local children continue to have access to creative experiences—regardless of their families’ ability to pay.
And there’s a little bit of luck involved, too.
How Does the SWOOP Work?
Each $30 admission includes participation in the SWOOP, one drink ticket, and appetizers. When guests arrive, they’ll receive a randomly drawn number.
Then comes the fun.
About 45 minutes into the event, numbers begin being called, starting with number one. When your number is called, it’s time to make your SWOOP and select a piece of artwork from the exhibition.
The collection features original 12-by-12-inch two-dimensional artwork, along with a selection of three-dimensional pieces, wearable art, and jewelry created by participating artists.
The only challenge? Deciding which piece you want before someone else swoops it up!
In addition to the signature art SWOOP, the evening will include a silent auction, appetizers, a donation bar, and more.
Art Supporting the Next Generation of Artists
While the evening promises plenty of fun, the purpose behind it is even more important.
Funds raised through the Great Fall SWOOP benefit the free children’s art education classes offered through the ‘Tis Annex.
Located at 235 N. Marina Street in Prescott, the ‘Tis Annex serves as the organization’s art education building and is home to the STEPS Art Education Program for Kids, along with additional art classes and workshops.
Providing free art education gives children an opportunity to explore creativity, develop new skills, experiment with different mediums, and experience the confidence that comes from creating something of their own.
The SWOOP brings that mission full circle: local artists contribute their creativity, community members support and take home original art, and the proceeds help introduce a new generation to the arts.
Calling All Artists
The Great Fall SWOOP also offers local artists a chance to be part of the event and directly support children’s art education.
Artists are invited to contribute original work for the SWOOP exhibition. With 12-by-12-inch artwork at the heart of the event, it’s an opportunity to create something unique while supporting a program that helps keep the arts accessible to young people in the Prescott community.
Painters, photographers, mixed-media artists, fiber artists, jewelers, sculptors, and other creatives are encouraged to participate.
Make Your SWOOP
Whether you’re a longtime art collector or simply love the idea of discovering something unexpected, the Great Fall SWOOP offers an approachable—and entertaining—way to bring original art home.
The Great Fall SWOOP
Saturday, October 17, 2026
4–6 p.m.
‘Tis Gallery Third Floor Banquet Hall
105 S. Cortez Street, Prescott
Tickets: $30 per person
Admission includes participation in the 12×12 SWOOP, one drink ticket, and appetizers.
Come for the art. Stay for the fun. And know that when you SWOOP, you’re helping give local children the opportunity to discover their own creativity.