The works of 18 artists reflecting on the theme “Water is the Mirror of Nature” will be spotlighted in the Loyalhanna Watershed Association’s 40th annual art auction benefit.

The largest fundraising effort for the Ligonier Township-based watershed group, this year’s auction will be held Saturday at the Latrobe Country Club on Arnold Palmer Drive in Unity.

In addition to silent and live auctions of the original artwork, the event will feature a reception with an open bar, hors d’oeuvres and a buffet dinner with wine service.

“Each year we try to come up with a new theme that reflects the natural beauty of our environment, and the theme this year has really allowed the participating artists the opportunity to focus on many different elements while reflecting what our organization does at its core,” said association Executive Director Susan Huba. “Proceeds from the evening directly benefit our restoration projects and education efforts throughout the entire watershed.”

Plein air landscape painter Ron Donoughe, who has a studio in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood, is among participating artists who have long been associated with the watershed auction.

He has served as an artist/scholar in residence at Fallingwater. His works have received awards at exhibitions in Ligonier, Loretto, Greensburg and Pittsburgh.

“Something happens when an artist is confronted directly with the subject,” Donoughe states on his website. “I think it has something to do with the spirit of a place. I believe that spirit can make its way into the artist and the work itself.”

Western Pennsylvania painter Leo Goode will have his work featured in the auction for the second time. He has won the Winsor & Newton International Art Competition Award and has his works on display at galleries in Ligonier and Annapolis, Md.

Goode is credits his love of nature and the rolling hills of Pennsylvania as inspirations.

Other artists who created original commissioned works for the auction include: oil painters Dix Baines, William DeBernardi, Peggy Fischbeck, Bud Gibbons, Rita Haldeman, Lydia Mack, Joan Mudge and Stuart Thompson; mixed media artists Ken Vallino and Kim Williams; Edward Bak, who works in pen and ink; Francis DeFabo, stoneware; Steve Hasley, ceramic; Leo Osborne, acrylic/gold leaf; Eileen Stoner, graphite; and Richard Stoner, photography.

Tickets for the auction event start at $140. For tickets or more information, contact the watershed authority office at 724-238-7560.