The Yoknapatawpha Arts Council has announced its annual call for artist-made ornaments for its annual Ornament Auction, their biggest fundraising event of the year.

The Ornament Auction, set for Dec. 13, has become a holiday tradition showcasing the creativity of local artists and crafters while supporting the council’s arts programming.

Wayne Andrews, the council’s director, describes the auction as “a fun way for artists of all skills, mediums, and backgrounds to be playful with their craft in support of the Arts Council.”

The event typically features over 100 one-of-a-kind, handmade ornaments from a range of artists—including quilters, painters, photographers, and sculptors—each capturing a unique aspect of the past year in their work.

Renowned artist Jere Allen donates an annual Christmas Angel which is raffled off with only 100 tickets available.

Local artists donate experiences that have been paired with an ornament.

This year writer Wright Thompson will offer a writer’s talk paired with Bourbons, Plein Air Painters (outdoor landscape painters); Splinter Creek will host a picnic; John T Edge will host a tour of Greenfield Farm with small bites; artist Lucius Lamar will throw a paint party at his home in Taylor; and Arnett’s Fine Jewelry has donated a special sparkling ornament.

Admission to the event is free for Arts Council members with individual memberships starting at $35 and family memberships at $50. Guests will enjoy holiday tasting stations hosted by local restaurants, live music and a photo booth, along with the auction’s highlight: the dazzling collection of ornaments that embody both holiday cheer and local talent.

Proceeds from the auction support the Arts Council’s programming, which spans 320 days each year, including everything from art exhibitions to community festivals. This year alone, the Arts Council was instrumental in relaunching the July 4th parade, organizing a new singer-songwriter festival, and hosting an outdoor art event featuring art projected on downtown buildings.

“Anyone from a crafter to a fine artist is invited to share their holiday spirit through an ornament,” Andrews said.

Artists interested in contributing can drop off their creations at the Powerhouse Community Arts Center anytime before Dec. 7.

For more information find the arts council online at www.oxfordarts.com or contact the office at 662-236-6429.