Silent auction bidding begins today for the annual 12x12 Art Party & Scholarship Fundraiser sponsored by the SFA Friends of the Visual Arts (FVA).  Sixty-eight local artists donated pieces this year, including two that had solo exhibitions at the Cole Art Center this past year, David Yapp and Stuart Riorden.  Two other artists that were featured in the recent Outsider Art Exhibition, Wally Knight and Lisa Bussett, have also donated a piece to this year's events.

Silent bidding continues through Saturday, July 18 and concludes with the big art party that evening from 6-8 p.m.  At the beginning of the event, any art that does not have a silent auction bid can be purchased for $100.  The remaining pieces are awarded as drawing items.  Tickets for the drawing are available at the event for $5/each, or five for $20.

Make plans to attend this fun event and support art scholarships for worthy students.  The past year, the FVA awarded more than $11,000 in grants and scholarships to 25 SFA art students.

All events are free to the public.

Gallery hours are 12:30 - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday.  The gallery will be closed on Saturday, July 4.

For more information, call: (936)468-6557.