LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Local artist John R. Clarke celebrates the spirit of the Lake County Wine Auction in his 14th annual poster painting titled “The Country.”

Against the backdrop of an American flag and Mt. Konocti, the painting shows two workers passing a basket of grapes.

“It’s a reminder,” said Clarke, “of how we need to share the bounty of this community.”

Over the years, Clarke has captured the essence of the auction venues and the color of the local wine industry with his unique style of water color on silk painting.

“I love this project because giving back to our community is extremely important to me,” he said.

In the coming months, copies of this year’s new poster will go on sale at winery tasting rooms, other venues around the county and at special events where Clarke will sign copies.

This year’s poster may be purchased for $20, with proceeds going to the beneficiary organizations and programs associated with The Lake County Wine Alliance. The painting itself may be viewed at the Saw Shop Bistro in Kelseyville.

Clarke, a former anesthesiologist, has been painting on water color on silk since 1994. Each year he has created an original piece of art for use as a poster by the Wine Alliance.

The original painting will be on view at the Saw Shop Bistro in Kelseyville. Then on Sept. 21 it will be among the special items up for bid during the live auction segment of this year’s gala charity event.

This is the 14th year that the Lake County Wine Alliance has sponsored this major fundraising event in support of the arts, health and community in Lake County.

In that time, more than $991,000 has been raised for local programs.

This year’s auction will take place on Sept. 21 at the Cole Creek Equestrian Center a unique and stunning venue which has been the sight of numerous social and charity events over the years.

Tickets for the Wine Auction, at $150 per person, are available by calling the Wine Alliance at 866-279-WINE or online at www.winealliance.org . See the Web site for more details and reservations.