Benefits Round-up: See Art, see Art run, see Art run and dance

• Inside Books Project presents its sixth annual "Art Behind Bars" exhibition Thursday, Sept. 7, through Sunday, Sept. 10, at Yard Dog, 1510 S. Congress. As the title suggests, the show features artwork by inmates of Texas prisons, and you may not only see their creative efforts but purchase them as well. In fact, IBP is counting on that, since the nonprofit volunteer organization relies on "Art Behind Bars" to raise the funds that enable it to continue to provide books to those in Texas prisons and give them an outlet to express themselves. A reception with wine and hors d'oeuvres will be held Friday, Sept. 8, 7-10pm. For more information, call 647-4803, or e-mail insidebooksproject@yahoo.com.

• The State and Paramount theatres present their first Arts Run, consisting of both a 5K run/walk and a kids fun run, on Saturday, Sept. 9. The fun begins at 8:30am with the kids run, followed by a chip-timed run at 8:45am, and the big 5K fun run/walk at 8:50am. As befits an event cooked up by a pair of theatres, dressing up is strongly encouraged! Participants are urged to come as their favorite stage or film star, with the best costumes being awarded prizes. There are also door prizes being handed out, and every registrant receives an Arts Run T-shirt. The run is sponsored by Catapult Systems, RunTex, Raceworks, and Gold's Gym, and proceeds benefit the host theatres, which are in particular need right now as a result of the recent flooding of the State and subsequent cancellation of most of its 2006-2007 season. Packet pickup is Friday, Sept. 8, noon-7pm, and Saturday, Sept. 9, 7-8:30am, at the Paramount, 713 Congress. To register or for more information, visit www.austintheatre.org.

• Austin Latino Theater Alliance is hosting a two-day celebration to raise funds for its annual production of La Pastorela, the Yuletide drama performed in Native American and Latino communities since the 16th century. First up is a feast of music with Cerronato, Myrna Cabello & the Gris Gris Blues Band, and El Tul on Saturday, Sept. 9, 7-11pm, at Jovita's, 1619 S. First. Adding to the fun will be raffles, a karaoke contest, and a dance contest. Admission is $10 at the door.

The next day is a banquet of Latino performing arts efforts from Latino Comedy Project, Aztlan Dance Company, Teatro Vivo, Ballet East, SONAV Productions, Proyecto Teatro, Roy Lozano's Ballet Folklorico de Texas, Nushank Theater Collective, and the Umbrella Man from Houston. The revue takes place Sunday, Sept. 10, 4-8pm, at the Off Center, 2211 Hidalgo. Admission is $10 for adults, children under 12 free; $1 tickets for food, drink, andÊactivities for the kids. For more information, call 971-3255.