LAFAYETTE - The Lafayette Symphony Orchestra and the Patti and Rusty Rueff Galleries at Purdue University are joining forces for Art Heist, a communitywide fundraising effort to benefit the regional orchestra.

Artists, photographers and others from across the Lafayette-West Lafayette region are invited to donate their works for sale to benefit the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra in conjunction with the Bond Bash, the LSO’s annual fundraiser on Sept. 7 at the Purdue Memorial Union.

“The Bond Bash is heralding the 50th anniversary of the most famous spy in the world -- Bond, James Bond,” said John Sautter, chairman of the LSO’s Bond Bash Committee. “Be a not-so-secret agent by participating in the 007 Art Heist, enhancing the symphony coffers, and have your artwork and your name included in the Bond Bash Program.”

Submissions in any medium and size are welcome, and the work must be finished, dry and display-ready by time of submission. The sale prices should reflect regular sales price with all proceeds going to the LSO.

“Add the 2012 Bond Bash Symphony Art Heist to your resume. In return, you will receive thanks and accolades from fine arts lovers throughout the community -- as well as two tickets to the 2012-13 Symphony performance of your choice,” Sautter said.

The completed artwork is due by Aug. 24 to the Dauch Alumni Center on the Purdue campus or the LSO offices in the Long Center for the Performing Arts, 111 N. 6th St. in downtown Lafayette.

“Artists and photographers can contribute an unlimited number of works of art, and submissions fitting the 007 James Bond theme not only are welcomed but encouraged,” said Liz Erlewine, coordinator for the Rueff Galleries at Purdue.

The LSO, one of the longest-running nonprofit musical organizations in Tippecanoe County, offers a rich variety of musical, educational, and community outreach programs. Concert ticket revenue, however, covers only 20 percent of the symphony’s production costs.

“The Lafayette Symphony Orchestra counts on annual support from art and music lovers throughout our community to continue its important work,” said Sara Mummey, executive director of the LSO. “This annual fundraising event is critical for successful programming of the LSO.”

Launched in 1950 as a non-profit organization, the 70-person Lafayette Symphony Orchestra is focused on enriching the cultural life of the Lafayette-West Lafayette community and 14 surrounding counties through excellence in orchestral music performance and educational outreach. Its first performance was Feb. 11, 1951.

About 80 percent of the Lafayette Symphony’s patrons live in Lafayette, West Lafayette and Tippecanoe County, while the remainder resides in the surrounding counties of Benton, Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Fountain, Howard, Jasper, Montgomery, Newton, Pulaski, Tipton, Warren and White.

All Lafayette Symphony performances are at the Long Center for Performing Arts, 111 N. Sixth St., in downtown Lafayette. For ticketing information or concert details, go online to http://www.lafayettesymphony.org/ or call 765-742-6463.

The Patti and Rusty Rueff Galleries, located at 552 W. Wood St., regularly exhibit artwork in all media created by Purdue students, faculty and alumni.

Located in the Yue-Kong Pao Hall of Visual and Performing Arts, the Rueff Galleries are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the fall and spring semesters. Gallery exhibits are free and open to the public. The Patti and Rusty Rueff School of Visual and Performing Arts is housed in the College of Liberal Arts.