It goes without saying that the devastation Japan is facing in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami is overwhelming. I think most of us have been moved to try to do something — anything — to help out. The thing is, with the wealth of options — aid organizations, US nonprofits, Japanese charities — it’s hard to figure out what to do and where.

The good news is that the art world has been quick to reach out to the victims of this tragedy. There are currently art-based fundraisers going on locally, nationally and internationally, which means that you can lend a hand in Japan and get some great art for yourself at the same time.

Here’s a quick breakdown of a few things that are happening:

New York Gallerist Jen Bekman is offering two special edition “Japan Benefit Prints” (both shown above) through her website 20×200. Starting at just $20 for an 8×10, this is a great, affordable option. Proceeds will benefit the Japan Society Earthquake Fund.

Robert Fornell, a ceramicist in Seattle, has put together a silent auction with Stefano Catalani, curator of the Bellevue Arts Museum. If you’re in the Seattle area, the event will take place this Friday, March 25. 1/3 of every ticket sold will go to the American Red Cross.

On the ground in Tokyo, two galleries currently have benefits in the works. Zen Foto gallery is inviting artists to either send or bring works by on the night-of Saturday, March 25 to be auctioned off for $60-600 USD to support Tohoku relief charities. Additionally, the Tobin Ohashi Gallery will donate half of the sales of selected prints, drawings and paintings by a host of international artists through March 27. Proceeds will go to the Japan Red Cross and Second Harvest Japan. If you’re not in Japan, you can browse the offerings at www.tobinohashi.com and www.theasiancollection.com. If you see something you like, simply contact the gallerists by email at [email protected] for details.

The good folks at “Handmade for Japan” have put together an incredible online auction that anyone anywhere can get in on. 100 pieces of art, including some incredible Japanese ceramics, crafted by 60 artists will be auctioned off over a three-day period on Ebay. The event goes live Thursday at 8pm and wraps up on Sunday, March 27, with 100% of funds raised (they’re shooting for $50,000) going to Global Giving’s Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund. Visit the Handmade for Japan Ebay store and follow them on Facebook for more information.