Ellen Diamond, Jim Draper and Steve Williams are 3 of Jacksonville's most recognized and respected artists. They joined forces with Peeramid, Inc., creators of the Peeramid Bookrest for the Riverside Presbyterian Day School annual Capers fundraiser.

Peeramid bookrests have been given national attention on The Today Show as a must-have reading tool. Inspired by the Great Pyramids, this unique book holder with integral bookmark props a book at the perfect angle for comfortable reading anywhere. Simply placing the spine of the book into the ledge allows readers a free hand for sipping coffee, taking notes and truly relaxing. Designed for readers of all ages - kids who read on the floor, students who read everywhere, to adults who read in bed or their favorite chair. Peeramid Bookrests are available locally at Borders Books and Music and Cowford Traders in Avondale, or online www.peeramid.com.

Diamond, Draper and Williams lent an artistic hand to paint their signature designs on these bookrests in support of reading, learning and art. After the Capers auction on Saturday, February 19, 2005, winning bidders will take home a one of kind bookrest to enjoy for reading or simply as freestanding art.

Each of these local artists has a unique and inspired style that is truly distinctive. Jim Draper has become famous painting southeastern landscapes and his Healing Palms. Many of his inspirations for landscape paintings come from right here in areas around Jacksonville. The bookrest Jim painted has little palms that have become his signature. The movement of color in his Healing Palms creates a viewing experience that changes at every glance. His works can be found at Jim Draper Studios located at 1827 N. Pearl Street in Springfield. Steve Williams use of signs and symbols and his passion for color results in exciting works of art that captivate the viewer. His desire is to draw the viewer in with color, texture and other decorative elements giving him place to linger, investigating and questioning his position in life, possibly finding validation amidst the signs. His works can be found at Stellers Gallery, San Marco Ellen Diamond is an incredible artist with an eye for the French countryside. Her Provencal scenes are filled with light, color and beauty that are truly a joy to the beholder. Many of her canvasses also feature the environments that surround her daily life with images of the beaches and marshes of Northeast Florida. Her paintings can be found at Fairfax Gallery in Avondale & Ponte Vedra.