A Pearl River County artist is auctioning off one of her pieces to benefit Picayune’s Christian Care Ministries.

Resin artist Jan Walters felt compelled to find a way to help others during the COVID-19 pandemic after seeing the challenges people are facing.

The pandemic has caused economic hardship for many, including some of her friends who have created fundraising accounts online to help cover funeral expenses after loved ones passed from COVID-19.

She is auctioning off one of her geode-like creations online to benefit Christian Care Ministries, a Picayune based organization that provides food, shelter and medicine to families, said Walters.

“I think everybody can use a little help,” she said.

Bids began at $50 on Tuesday and Walters hopes to raise $1,500 for Christian Care Ministries.

Walters creates pieces that look like the inside of a geode using materials that glitter and shimmer like gold flakes, crystals, acrylic paints, mica powder and even green glass from recycled beer bottles.

Her work has earned ribbons in Pearl River County Arts League shows and is on display at Martin’s Jewelers.

Her first step is to come up with a design. Then she cuts a wood frame and places barriers to divide the different colors. If she is unhappy with the outcome she begins again.

“It’s all about textures,” said Walters. “You kind of want to touch it.”

When the colors and textures come together how she wants them, she paints the piece with four layers of resin to make it hard and glossy like the geodes she draws inspiration from.

The piece Walters is auctioning off is entitled “The Golden Lotus,” and features crystals, cut glass and a lotus flower with gold leaf accents.

The auction will last for 10 days and can be found at go.rallyup.com/goldenlotus.