A new Performance Art group, SER ARTE, established in February by Poulsbo’s Nicole Romine, a world-class professional dancer, choreographer and director, will present a debut showcase at its first fundraiser Aug. 16.

The event will be from 6-8 p.m. at the Kiana Lodge – The Garden Atrium, 14976 Sandy Hook Rd NE in Poulsbo. The debut performance/fundraising event is free to attend but requires an invitation, which can be obtained by contacting rita@serarte.org or by calling 928-710-9237.

“I started Ser Arte after talking with several young performance artists in the area who informed me that there was no work for them in the Kitsap County area,” Romine said. “I wanted to create a way for these talented young performers to not only have meaningful work at the present time, but also to establish a long-term professional and creative environment” that would allow them to make Kitsap County their home.

With no professional performing arts companies in Kitsap, she wanted to find a way to fill the void, not only for the artists but also for the local community and tourists. “In study after study, it’s been proven that investing in the arts enhances a community’s well-being.”

The showcase features an array of dancers, musicians, singers, an aerialist and a champion Beatbox performer, all of whom will perform both individually and in various combinations. Ser Arte intends to create and present unique performances. “We are bringing together diverse voices to create unique, original and exciting productions.”

Romine said funding is the biggest challenge.

Volunteers are helping with administrative functions, especially fundraising. SER ARTE has been presented with a donation-match challenge and will receive a donation of $1,000 if it can take in fifty $50 donations by Sept. 1.

Light refreshments will be served, and there will be a cash bar available. For details go to www.serarte.org