MANZANITA – Area healing artists are preparing to join for what will be, in North Tillamook County, a one-of-a-kind event designed to support a local resident on his journey toward health.

The Healing Arts Festival and Benefit for Dwight Clark will be Sept. 11 in Manzanita.

Clark, who teaches art at Neah-Kah-Nie High School and lives with his wife Michelle on Miami-Foley Road, is battling cancer.

“He’s real positive,” said Craig Mackie, a festival organizer. “His attitude is really good. It’s not like, ‘I’m dying.’ It’s like, ‘This is just a stage I’m going through.'”

Mackie and his wife Glenna Gray, both of Nehalem, are point people for the festival. They’ve spent recent weeks lining up healing artists and collecting prizes to be raffled at the event.

“People have been very generous,” said Gray. “The merchants have just been fabulous.”

Raffle prizes include fishing trips, kayaking excursions, jewelry and lodging, among other items. Healing artists will be on hand to share information about Reiki, energy work, counseling, massage, herbs, crystals, sand tray therapy, biofeedback and acupuncture, while others will demonstrate Tai Chi, Qi Gong and yoga techniques.

Throughout the day, participants may snack on healthy foods provided by Mother Nature’s of Manzanita, and contribute painted messages to Clark at a painting table. That evening, Skye Archer, of Neahkahnie, and fellow singers and musicians will present a healing sound performance. Following that, Ginny Salkowski of Manzanita will lead a healing drumming circle, where drummers will pound out West African healing rhythms.

“People in need of healing will be welcome to lie in the circle,” said Gray.

The event is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Pine Grove Community Club, and will cost $5 at the door. The raffle drawing will be held at 5 p.m. Raffle tickets may be purchased at the festival, or prior to it at Mother Nature’s, the Laughing Goddess in Nehalem, or Gypsy Fire in Wheeler.

The musical portion of the festival will occur 7 to 9 p.m. with sliding scale admission charge up to $5.

George Phelps, of Tacoma, Wash., will offer intuitive readings Sept. 8 at the Laughing Goddess. Proceeds will also benefit Clark. For more information, contact Gray and Mackie at (503) 368-3739.