WING CREATIONS: CALLING ALL ARTISTS

"I want to gather all the artists who have stuffed their art in a closet," says Tammy-Jo Auston, the self-described "visionist" and entrepreneur who has founded an art marketing company called Wing Creations.

"We have gathered up a family of artists," Auston says.

Cape Girardeau-based Wing Creations currently represents 15 artists from all over the country, says Auston, who foresees offering a line of clothing and furniture along with many different kinds of two- and three-dimensional art.

Auston, who grew up in Scottsdale, Ariz., has worked as a cocktail waitress in Las Vegas and as a baby sitter. She also received a degree in interior design, was married and lived in Hawaii. She has four children and a grandchild.

The idea for Wing Creations came to her literally in a vision, she says.

Her plan is to create centers for artists all over the world.

"I said I want to create something as magical as Disney.

"Disney they laughed at," Auston said. "And look what he created -- a world of love."

Auston said she chose Cape Girardeau to start the company because "this part of the United States is starving for culture.

"Culture brings love and unity, and that's what life stands for," she said.

Wing Creations will sponsor a benefit New Year's Eve party Saturday night at the Bent Creek Country Club in Jackson. The event will "let people know what we're about," Auston says, and part of the proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society, the Missouri Veterans Home and the AIDS Project of Southeast Missouri.

The celebration will feature a five-course dinner, comedian Jeff Batts, a karaoke show and the New At It dance band.

Tickets are $75 per person and are available by calling 339-9539.