The Yoknapatawpha Arts Council (YAC) kicks off its year-end donation drive with the highly anticipated unveiling of popular local artist, Jere Allen’s, latest Holiday Angel painting at the Powerhouse on Thursday, Dec. 10. The painting, which will be raffled off at YAC’s Annual Ornament Auction, will benefit YAC, its programming and, ultimately, Oxford’s entire art community.
“Although the drawing is part of the ornament auction, the winner does not have to be present to win,” YAC Director Wayne Andrews said.
The annual ornament auction is the culmination of the Arts Council’s year and one of its largest fundraisers.
“The event is a tradition in Oxford and our committee strives to keep the event fresh, exciting and focused on the arts,” Andrews said. “This year a committee lead by Lucius Lamar connected with Ole Miss art students, artist from across the state, local chefs and musicians to make the event special.”
“I think this year’s event highlights that artist in Mississippi appreciate community support. We have artist from Jackson, Water Valley, Taylor and Oxford all who supported this fundraiser,” Andrews added.
The event features an auction of unique ornaments created by several local artists.
“Our ornament auction is a celebration of the talent we enjoy in our community. It’s a clear testament of how the arts are an integral part of our daily lives; from the food we eat to the music we listen to,” Andrews’s said.
The Arts Council is a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization that offers programming throughout the community and throughout the year. Its most visible programs are the events that take place at the Powerhouse, with the year-end ornament auction being, arguably, one of its most popular and most important.
“We are fortunate that Oxford and Lafayette County invest in the arts by providing this community space,” Andrew’s said. “Having a space like the Powerhouse allows an organization like ours to provide programming and services to residents of Lafayette County. The ornament auction is our thank you to the community,” Andrews said.
YAC emphasizes that the event is free to members of the Arts Council and membership to the organization is open to anyone. Raffle tickets for Jere Allen’s Holiday Angel painting are $25 and only 100 are sold each year.
To learn more about the arts council, to become a member or purchase a Jere Allen raffle ticket, visit www.oxfordarts.com or call 662-236-6429.
Jeff McVay is a staff writer and graphic designer for Hottytoddy.com. He can be reached at jeff.mcvay@hottytoddy.com
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