Do This: MASHterpieces

They say everyone deserves a second chance. But what about art? True, it's not technically a person, but can't we show the humanities a little ... well ... humanity?

It's an unfortunate truth that sometimes, pieces of art just can't find a loving home. And those lucky enough to be spared the dumpster often end up donated to charity, where they sit, forgotten, among fellow cat paintings, lady sculptures and other endearing oddities that have met a similar fate.

Thanks to Art Center Sarasota and area Goodwill stores, these works of art are getting their second chance via MASHterpieces, a collaborative 30-artist exhibit that opens tomorrow at Art Center Sarasota.

The exhibit challenges local artists to take a piece of existing art, assigned to them at random, and turn it into something new and original. This year's selection included portraits, landscapes, sculptures — even a jigsaw puzzle — all of which will undergo dramatic makeovers for the exhibit, which runs through June 26.

Catch the opening tomorrow to see the transformed works, mingle with the artists and get inspired. It's about salvation, people.

+ MASHterpieces Opening Reception — takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. at Art Center Sarasota, 707 N. Tamiami Trail.