How does an arts council celebrate the holidays?  By offering a sampling of the arts all in one night.

The Yoknapatawpha Arts Council first created its annual ornament auction as a fundraiser and hosted the event in homes decorated for the season. The event became well-attended and also became a showcase event for the Powerhouse when the Arts Council started programming the space in 2007. This year’s event on Thursday night will feature ornaments, music, theatre and food celebrating the arts in Oxford.

“The event is a tradition in Oxford and our committee strives to keep the event fresh, exciting and focused on the arts” said Wayne Andrews, arts council director.

This year a committee connected with University of Mississippi art students, artists from across the state, local chefs and musicians to make the event even better.

“I think this year the event highlights that artists in Mississippi appreciate community support,” Andrews said. “We have artists from Jackson, Water Valley, Taylor and Oxford all who supported this fundraiser.”

The event is held the second Thursday of December and is free to members of the Arts Council. You can sign up to become a member at the auction at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Powerhouse when arriving at the event.

“Our members make what we do possible” Andrews said. “Not only are they the core of our support, but they provide insight to the types of programs that match their interests. We are an arts council — which means we work as a group — with the mission to make the connection to the arts more than a passive experience. We want everyone to connect with our artist and experience the creative process.”

Making a connection encouraged the organizers to plan a fundrasier that offered a sampling of experiences.

The Holiday Ornament Auction features one-of-a-kind ornaments by local artists like blacksmiths, leather workers, fabric artist and painters. Each year the ornaments range from elegant to whimsical.

Artist Jere Allen has created a Christmas angel painting for the auction which is being raffled with tickets for $25. A preview of the ornaments and a chance to purchase a Jere Allen raffle ticket is featured online at www.oxfordarts.com.

in addition to ornaments, there will be tasting stations by local resturants including: A&N Catering, Gus’ Fried Chicken, Insomnia Cookies, Main Event, McEwen’s, My Michelle’s, Oxford Canteen, Party Waiting to Happen, Ravine, Shelter, Taylor Grocery, Wine Bar, and YoknapaTaco. Live music by the Yes, Virginias will bring in the holiday cheer along with a preview by Glimpse Entertainment of their holiday play “A Christmas Story.”