azcentral's 'Inspired Souls' at 'Inspired Soles' in Phoenix

• More than 70 stilettos will be auctioned Thursday before First Friday in April.
• The art show at Luhrs Tower benefits Artlink Phoenix.
• The public is invited to both the auction and First Friday events.

"Inspired Soles" is not your average art show.

It's back by popular demand for its fourth year, with artists again working in a flurry of fashion and creativity to turn basic black stilettos into footwear that no longer are functional but certainly are fabulous.

Designers, celebrities and local artists volunteer their time each year to benefit Artlink Phoenix, a non-profit organization dedicated to linking artists, businesses and the public to better understand, appreciate and promote a thriving arts community in central Phoenix. Past shows have raised $6,000 for Artlink.

With more than an expected 70 artists involved this year, the show's producers — BJC Public Relations, a women-owned public-relations agency that obviously loves shoes — is hoping for a record year.

Spokeswoman Liz Meyers said she heard one artist say that she spent more than 140 hours working to transform a high heel. The time and artistry devoted to this unique display is evident and impressive.

What's new

The show has outgrown its 6th Avenue Gallery space and is moving to the historic Luhrs Tower on Jefferson Street. The additional space has opened up an opportunity to partner with the photographers of The Arizona Republic to do an "Inspired Souls" portrait series. Guests can see a print show of some of the most profound, impactful portraits taken by Republic photographers over the years, as well as digital projections alongside the shoes.

Silent auction

The event will now be a two-day experience with the VIP Sneak Preview and Silent Auction on Thursday, April 2, giving guests a chance to bid on their favorite and take home a one-of-a-kind piece. Bids for all shoes start at $30, with a $5 minimum increase.

First Friday

The shoes will remain on display First Friday, April 3, for the public to enjoy. Republic photographers will be on-site to take live portraits of attendees and artists to commemorate the night.

If you simply cannot wait to get a taste of the greatness to come, Neiman Marcus will be previewing a select 13 of the shoes in-store March 26-29.

These stilettos serve a higher purpose than their 6-inch heel may reveal, and that is to give the community, the local artists and members of the arts industry a chance to connect and support one another through a shared vision of uplifting the arts in downtown Phoenix.

Inspired Soles Silent Auction

When: 5-8 p.m. Thursday, April 2.

The auction, which will benefit Artlink Phoenix, is open to the public but for serious buyers only.

This is your opportunity to mix and mingle with artists who created this year's works of art, and to bid on your favorite shoe. Refreshments and appetizers will be served.

'Inspired Soles 2015'

When: 6-10 p.m. First Friday, April 3.

If you're an art aficionado on a tight budget, this night is for you. Refreshments will be served.

Where: Luhrs Tower City Center, 11 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, 85003.

Admission: Free

Online: firstfriday.azcentral.com

Register: https://www.facebook.com/events/758612527521454/

Contact: melissa.farley@arizonarepublic.com