It's nice to see working artists and gallery folk taking an interest in the well-being of the next generation. Against the Grain, a one-night charity auction at Mark Moore Gallery, takes a unique approach to this support. Although the fundraising is familiar — a cheap ticket to an awesome party with a silent auction of original work by a range of artists — the plan for distributing those funds breaks the mold. Or, er, goes against the grain. It all goes directly to a single student artist, for whatever he or she needs, from rent to tuition to stretched canvas. The winner is being chosen right now by the curatorial team of Amir Fallah (Beautiful Decay) and 5790projects (Mark Moore Gallery's pop-up series), who have been on a tear of studio visits all over town, seeing finalists nominated by the faculties of the various schools the young artists currently attend. The winner will be announced at the party. The title of the event is also a pun on its sponsorship by the famous Arches paper people, who gave the 50-plus artists their materials. All works start at $100, but there are names in the mix worth up to 10 times that. Fun fact: Almost every piece is 10 x 7 inches and oil on paper. Mark Moore Gallery, 5790 Washington Blvd., Culver City; Sat., Aug. 25, 7-10 p.m.; $10. (310) 453-3031, 5790projects.com.

Sat., Aug. 25, 7-10 p.m., 2012

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