With last weekend’s art festivities, you might be worn out, but please try to rally, as tonight is one of the biggest arts-related events of the year.

The Yoknapatawpha Arts Council’s Annual Ornament Auction will be held tonight from 7-9, and if you have not been to this event before, tonight is the night you should add this to your list of holiday traditions.

The party is one of the arts council’s biggest fundraisers of the year and enables the Powerhouse to provide art classes and opportunities to our community.

Last year the Powerhouse provided 334 days of art to Oxford residents, and that is no easy task.  Members of the arts council help make this possible and this party is free to all members. If you are not a member, you can become a member today either online or at the party.

Not only will you get to enjoy the festivities tonight, but members also get discounts on classes and various events held at the Powerhouse, and you will be supporting a dynamic organization that supports local artists, performers and community groups in our town.

There will be 12 restaurants providing food for the celebration, and you will be able to bid on ornaments made by dozens of local artists. The competition is all in good spirit and the ornaments are little works of art on their own, and seeing all hung together is a spectacular site.

Having gotten a sneak peek at some of the submissions, I can say that you will not be disappointed in this year’s selection.

Artists pride themselves on their ornament creations and often plot and plan for months before the event, crafting their masterpieces.

Past years ornaments have been whimsical, intricate, irreverent, charming, hilarious and beautiful. Even more interesting are the materials used by the craftsmen. You will see ornaments fashioned from wood, metal, clay, glass, paper, canvas, fabric, wire, feathers and more. There are no rules for the artists, so they can get quite creative in their process, and the results are always fun to gaze upon.

There will be a raffle to win a painting by local artist, Jere Allen. This popular raffle is a big hit with participants, and last year’s winner was so enthusiastic that it conjured up memories of winners running up the aisle at The Price Is Right game show.

You can get a raffle ticket online or at the party for $25 each. You do not have to be present to win (though we will not get to see you giddily run up to the podium to claim your prize), and you can buy as many chances as you like. Remember all the proceeds go to the council, so it is a great cause to invest in.

If you are interested in the party, please go to www.oxfordarts.com/ to get more information on becoming a member, getting raffle tickets and supporting the arts council.

I know I will be there with bells on!

ANDI BEDSWORTH is owner of Art To Go, which brings free art opportunities to children in the community.