Ophelia will drown for an entire evening for a good cause.

As painted by the Victorian-era artist John Everett Millais, "Ophelia" is the subject of a well-known Pre-Raphaelite work depicting the drowning death of Shakespeare's tragic maiden from "Hamlet."

Rachel Burckhard, a senior at St. Mary's Central High School in Bismarck, will hold that famous drowning pose for an evening of Living Masterpieces, the second annual fundraiser for Dakota Stage and Shade Tree Players.

Organizers last week were in the midst of creating the sets and canvases, costumes and makeup, that will bring 20 art masterpieces to three-dimensional life on Sept. 19 at the High Prairie Arts & Science Complex, 1810 Schafer St.

Masterworks from Grant Wood's "American Gothic" to Matisse's "The Green Line" have been created in backdrops by local artists; in each, a human presence transformed by costume and make-up, will add the three-dimensional effect. At each stop, a curator will add yet another dimension to the experience, explaining the fascinating stories behind each of the works. A pair of sculptures, including Rodin's "The Thinker,"will be part of the program, as well.

As a special extra, those attending will have the opportunity to personally step into the "American Gothic" piece.

Last year, local artist Barb Nechiporenko was featured, said Renee Brady, one of the organizers of the evening. This year, it will be the late Gary Miller, she said.

In all, more than 100 people have volunteered their time and creativity to this event, Brady said, including background artists such as Lexi Hagler, a student at Century High School, performers, hair stylists, costumers and makeup artists. The "Masterpieces"will take up the entire complex, which also includes live music, a dessert bar and a cash bar, she said. People are encouraged to dress up if they like and make it a special "gallery" event, she said.

Time with the pieces also may be purchased by businesses and groups for appropriate events, Brady said. Last year, the works were brought into local schools so students could experience them, she said.

Hours are 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person or $50 per couple for the black tie-optional event. A "sneak peek" general admission session will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. that day for reduced prices of $10 per person, $5 for students and $20 per family. All proceeds benefit Dakota Stage and its children's theater division, Shade Tree Players.

Call 258-4998 to purchase tickets. About 250 tickets are available.

(Reach reporter Karen Herzog at 250-8267 or karen.herzog@;bismarcktribune.com.)