DOYLESTOWN, Pa. (CBS) - A Bucks County organization is holding an event tonight in Doylestown to raise money to expose more inner city kids to the county's rich tradition of the arts.

In addition to hosting artist studio tours over two weekends in May, Elephant's Eye holds an education day to kick off the tours to provide a rare opportunity for students to experience the "behind the scenes" work of contemporary Bucks County artists.

Founder Lisa Naples says government and school cutbacks in funding for the arts have created barriers that prevent many students from being encouraged to pursue their artistic dreams.

"it's one thing for a child from a financially secure family to be able to find their way to art," she said. "But it's altogether another thing to expect artists growing up in financially desperate families to get exposed to have a hope of manifesting their heart-felt calling."

Last year they hosted over 200 students from ten schools. They hope to expand their outreach this year.

Tonight's event will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Freight House in Doylestown.

Reported by Brad Segall, KYW Newsradio