Yates added his signature before auctioning the piece for $350. (Submitted photos)

WARRENSBURG, Mo. -- As the audience watched intently, artist Dennis Yates picked up his loaded palette and began applying paint to his canvas. 

In presenting the May 28 program for Mid-Missouri Artists, Yates began and completed an oil painting of a moon rising over Lion's Lake. Sealed bids were

The money received will benefit Connected Hearts, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping homeless children.

submitted as the painting progressed, and when Yates declared the painting completed and added his signature, a live auction was conducted. Yates donated the amount of the high bid, $350, to Connected Hearts, an organization created to support homeless children in the area.

The MMA Summer Exhibition on display in the UCM Gallery of Art and Design through June 10 includes works by Yates and 28 other MMA members as well as a special exhibit of works by Faculty Emeriti, Jerry Miller. Summer gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is free.