Photographs are moments frozen in time.

Portraits capture the essence of the subject.

And portrait artist Arthur Smith is a master at capturing.

That’s the reason the SARHA Relay for Life team has partnered with the former Trojan to raise funds for the 2010 Pike County Relay for Life campaign.

“Arthur Smith has agreed to work with our Relay for Life team by doing fine art pastel portraitures of all ages from newborns to grandparents,” said Jeannie Allen. “He has been doing portraits for 36 years, and his work is outstanding. He works much of the time now at the beach doing portraits, and we are really appreciative that he will work with us on this fund-raiser for Relay for Life.”

Smith will be in the Troy “Relay studio” a.k.a. the conference room on the second floor of the SARHA Doctor’s Center from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. from March 7 through March 12. Appointments may be made for the pastel portraits by calling 566-8822 Ext. 500.

Allen said during the participant’s first visit, Smith will take photographs of the subject from which he will make a preliminary drawing.

“So, you need to come dressed for the portrait,” she said. “The photographs will be taken outside if possible. Otherwise, the photographs will be taken inside the Doctor’s Center. The next day, there will be a short sitting — about 15 minutes — with the artist so he can check the facial details. The pastel portrait will then be completed in about an hour.”

Allen said parents might bring snacks or a favorite toy to keep young children occupied during the sitting with the artist.

The finished portrait will be 16 by 20 inches and the cost is $100 for a single-subject portrait. For each additional subject there will be an additional charge of $50. Pet portraits are also available for the same fees.

A portion of the proceeds will go to the Pike County Relay for Life campaign.

To schedule an appointment call 566-8822 ext. 500 and ask for Jeannie Allen or Crystal Galloway..