Exclusive Preview of YAC's Ornaments Pre-Auction

The holidays are full of traditions. The Yoknapatawpha Arts Council’s annual ornament auction is a homegrown tradition.
Launched by members of the Arts Council years ago, the event started as a party in local homes with ornaments by local artists. The auction has become one of the Arts Council’s largest fundraisers and is recognized as a signature event.
“We are fortunate that members and artists had the creativity to start such a unique event. Any organization would love to have a party that people look forward to and talk about as one of their favorites all year long,” said Wayne Andrews, director of the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council.
The Arts Council carries on the tradition each year now that the event has outgrown its humble roots. The Ornament Auction and Holiday Party is Thursday, December 11, 2014 at the Powerhouse Community Arts Center from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. It will feature all new and one-of-a-kind ornaments created by local artists.
“Some artists carry a theme from year to year such as Michael Ikeda who creates a Nutcracker or Ferriday Mansel McClatchy’s pop culture ornaments,” said Andrews.

Jere Allen also continues his tradition of donating a Christmas Angel painting for a raffle to raise funds for arts programming. This tradition has helped the Arts Council include those who cannot attend the auction, too: raffle tickets can be purchased in advance and one need not be present to win.
Andrews said, “The holiday season is very busy so having this raffle lets those with conflicts still have the opportunity to win one of the unique creations.”

Balancing the traditions with fresh twists has been a key to the auction’s ongoing success. Local restaurants create new appetizer tastings and each year the event features a signature cocktail and wine tasting. This year attendees will have a chance to meet Hollywood Feed’s Doggie Swami which will predict one’s fortune for the New Year.
“We always want to surprise the supporters and attendees with something new and different,” said Andrews. “This year staff at Hollywood Feed coaxed north Mississippi’s best kept secret, Doggie Swami, to come out of semi-retirement for one night only. Now we can all learn what our dogs are thinking when they cock their heads at us.”
Proceeds from the Ornament Auction enable the Arts Council to provide support to performing and visual artists. The Arts Council staff organizes or helps present over 320 days of arts programming each year from art classes, live performances, festivals and film screenings. Admission to the event is free to Arts Council members, with memberships starting at just $35.
To learn more about the ornament auction or to become a member of the arts council call 662-236-6429 or visit oxfordarts.com.
Enjoy these one of a kind ornaments in Hotty Toddy’s exclusive preview below and more at the gallery.







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HottyToddy.com staff report