The Yoknapatawpha Arts Council is holding its annual raffle of a one-of-a-kind Christmas Angel painting by esteemed artist Jere Allen.

Proceeds from the raffle will directly benefit YAC’s diverse arts programming and community outreach initiatives.

Allen, a celebrated painter represented by the Carol Robinson Gallery in New Orleans, has long been a key supporter of YAC. Each year, he creates an original Christmas Angel painting and donates it to the Arts Council to help raise funds.

The Christmas Angel raffle is part of YAC’s annual year-end fundraising efforts, which include a popular ornament auction featuring unique, handcrafted ornaments by local artists. Proceeds from the ornament auction support the artists and YAC’s creative placemaking initiatives, which enrich Oxford with a wide array of events, festivals, classes, and arts programs throughout the year. Last year alone, YAC’s programs reached 167,000 people.

As YAC looks to the future, funds raised through the Christmas Angel raffle and ornament auction will help fuel an ambitious expansion of the Powerhouse Community Arts Center.

The planned additions include residential artist accommodations, educational rooms, and makers’ spaces, which will further empower local creatives and strengthen Oxford’s artistic landscape.

“While admiring this year’s angel, we invite everyone to explore our initiatives and discover how we support creativity, from food trucks to fine arts festivals, to enliven our community year-round,” said YAC director Wayne Andrews.

Raffle tickets and donation options are available online at www.oxfordarts.com.