Liz Hess, a popular Lancaster artist and 1983 Lancaster Mennonite High School graduate, will donate one of her pieces to her alma mater to help fund the art department.

Because Lancaster Mennonite's art program was an important component in her journey to becoming a successful artist, Hess said she is glad to help. In an economy where some schools are cutting visual arts programs, she said Lancaster Mennonite continues to invest time and energy into its program.

Hess's second in a series of vintage vignettes from the school's Lancaster campus, will be sold at a benefit dinner and specialty auction Nov. 19.

The original watercolor, along with several limited edition prints, depicts an early ice skating scene at the school's pond, with the familiar 1890 steel bridge in the background. Titled "Early Years at the Pond," the piece will benefit the Kristin Palazzo Visual Arts Endowment, established in 2008 to continue the school's commitment to a strong visual arts program.

The endowment honors Kristin Palazzo, who died in 2006 when she was an LMS junior. Palazzo was a gifted artist who got her start in art while a student at the school's Kraybill campus.

The benefit auction, being held during the school's annual Fall Festival and Homecoming weekend, also will include artwork by 1962 alumnus Velma Magill, several one-week stays at vacation homes, award-winning student apple pies and other unique items. All proceeds support students. Each student's tuition is at least partially supported by gifts from the community.

The weekend also includes the high school play, "Up the Down Staircase," Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Hess's barbecue from 2:30 to 8 p.m. Friday; and a country breakfast 8 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. Also on Saturday will be a basketball tournament; the Iron Bridge Benefit 5K Run/Walk; and a car show.

For more information or to view "Early Years at the Pond," visit www.lancastermennonite.org.