The Local Artists, Local Charities series will spotlight local artists and will direct a portion of proceeds from sales of their work to local charitable organizations.

The program begins with a reception July 9 opening a show of works by painter Ed Larson. His show, "Branching Streams," will benefit the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at UNC Hospitals.

"The series brings together two of our core values -- supporting local artists and donating a percentage of our business to local charities," said Jared Resnik, owner of the West End Wine Bar. "We're proud to showcase the work of incredible local artists like Ed Larson and to use art to raise money for worthy causes and local charities."

The show, which will remain up through the summer, features some 30 paintings by Larson, who does mostly abstract work drawing inspiration from his years of practicing mindfulness meditation, as well as reflecting influences of artists including Mark Rothko, Robert Motherwell, Franz Kline and Piet Mondrain.

He graduated from the School of the Art Institute in Chicago in 1999 and relocated to North Carolina in 2001 with his wife. He is an active member of the local art scene and the Durham Art Guild. His artwork has been featured at the Durham Arts Council, Open Eye Cafe, Chapel Hill Town Hall,and Hollis & Knight in Washington D.C., and he has been part of two art shows at the Durham Arts Guild juried by Judy Chicago and Petah Coyne.

The free public reception tonight begins at 6 p.m. at the West End Wine Bar, 450 W. Franklin St. Mark Wells will provide live music. The bar will offer wine specials and a raffle will offer prizes from 411 West, The Franklin Hotel, West End Wine Bar, Carolina Brewery and a painting by Larson.

For information and a gallery of Larson's work see www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5935757.