Iris Sullivan Daire, of Dream Bird Studio, will be one of several artists participating in this weekend’s 8x8 fundraiser organized by Astoria Visual Arts.

ASTORIA — Regional artists are invited to participate in a weekend fundraising event at Astoria Visual Arts.

The 8×8 event challenges artists to create within the confines of 8-by-8 inches, through a wood panel provided by the gallery, another two-dimensional canvas or a three-dimensional work expanding the limits by another 8 inches.

Festivities begin at 5 p.m. Friday with “8×8: Bring a Date,” a silent auction preview party with wine, chocolate and pastries. Jazz virtuoso Joey Altruda and guest vocalist Dinah Urell will grace the occasion with live music alongside the 8×8 community exhibit.

From 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, events continue with “8×8: Be There & Be Square,” a street party with a DJ and numerous art booths, and wrap up between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday with “8×8: Don’t Be Late,” the final day for the silent auction and art sale.

Artists joining the community exhibit can choose to donate proceeds from their work or keep a portion of the sale. The deadline to return finished 8×8 projects is Wednesday. Visit www.astoriavisualarts.org for more information.