HALLOWELL -- Jane Shain's open invitation last year to area artists to come spend a July Sunday in her garden, has blossomed into "Art in the Garden," a collaborative art show and sale at Slates restaurant.

The event, to benefit the Kennebec Valley Art Association's Harlow Gallery, will debut with an opening on Sunday (May 18) from 6 to 8 p.m. at Slates.

Hallowell resident Jane Shain, an longtime gardener and proprietor of The Maine Accent, was delighted when about a dozen artists took her up on that offer last summer.

The exhibit will feature works in various media by Nancy Fraser, Kay Morris, Connie Ottman, Nancy McGinnis, Anita Morrissey, Sam Shain, Nancy Barron, Judy Herman, Mark Shain, Laurie Proctor and Shain herself.

The public is invited to view the exhibit, meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments at the opening on Sunday evening. "Art in the Garden" will remain on display during regular business hours at Slates restaurant through mid-June.

A portion of all purchases will be donated to the Harlow roof fund.

Shain is hopeful that the Art in the Garden gathering and eventual exhibit will become an annual ongoing event.

For more information, call 622-5017.