Inspiration can be found in many places. Members of the Arlington Arts Council found excitement recently in their effort to create miniature paintings to serve as centerpieces for the upcoming Fall into Art Auction.

“I had so much fun,” said painter Monica Yantis, who was inspired by Vincent Van Gogh and painted a version of Starry Night with a fir tree in place of a cyprus as well as a beautiful bouquet in the style of the late 19th century Dutch painter.

The committee chairperson, Carey Waterworth came up with the idea of having AAC artist members paint miniatures inspired by the artists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries who changed the world of art and set the platform for modernism. Guests will dine at tables featuring artists Wasily Kandinsky, Georgia O’Keefe, Toulouse Lautrec, Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, Henri Matisse, Paul Gauguin, Alfred Steiglitz, Pierre Bonnard, Ansel Adams, Jackson Pollack, Paul Cezanne, John Singer Sargent, Winslow Homer and Edward Hopper.

Some of the Arlington artists created replicas of their favorite paintings and others mimicked the styles.

“I really got into it,” Waterworth said, adding she whipped out 13 little 5-by-7 inch paintings similar to those painted in the late 1800s by Paul Gauguin, Toulouse Lautrec, Edward Hopper and others.

Christina Harvey had fun with the style of Wasily Kandinsky and Erika Bruss was inspired by the pointalism of Georges Seurat. She pushed the envelope by using her unique style of pointalism, using punched paper dots to create “The Afternoon at the Grand Jate.”

Meanwhile, the members are also donating large paintings, sculpture, glass, weavings, jewelry and other items for the silent and live auctions including a dinner at Bistro San Martin, an art weekend in Seattle with hotel and theater tickets and numerous massages and baskets.

These generous donations by members of the Arlington Arts Council and art-enthusiast friends will help the AAC continue in its mission to bring Art to Arlington.

“Our annual auction is our one and only major fundraiser. We are extremely proud of the art we have procured for our town,” said Waterworth, who is also vice president of the council.

“We are very proud of our growing collection of art. Our newest pride and joy is the labyrinth at Lebanon Park,” Waterworth added.

The secretary of the AAC, Virginia Hatch is also proud of the art council’s accomplishments.

“We have acquired more than 20 works of art, including murals and sculptures as well as indoor pieces. We have benefitted from a great working relationship with the city and lots of support from the community,” Hatch said.

A former librarian in Arlington has noticed the new art installations around town.

Leslie Moore transferred to Stanwood a couple of years ago, but she still comes to town regularly.

“Arlington is really looking good,” she said. “And the art has a lot to do with it. The fish on the side of City Hall are beautiful and the new labyrinth will be a great attraction,” Moore said.

A peaceful and mellow mood at the auction will be set by Paul Ninehouse, playing his hand-made Native American style flutes.