ArtsNatchez Gallery at 425 Main St. is having its first silent auction, just in time for holiday gift giving!

Drop by and bid on unique offerings between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily through Friday

It’s a win-win-win proposition. Shoppers win huge bargains because the opening bid for almost every item is only $5. ArtsNatchez wins funds for gallery operations and Education-Community Outreach Programs to promote the visual arts in the greater Natchez area. Donors win a tax deduction while clearing out things they no longer use.

ArtsNatchez is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization; therefore contributions of items for the auction are tax deductible. The gallery will provide a signed receipt of gift including the tax ID number in exchange for your donations.

The Arts Treasures Auction has transformed the back room of the gallery into a great place to browse awhile. Original artwork, from a Rolland Golden original watercolor to the whimsical “Deep in the Heart of Hexes” by Madelyn von Ritz with its 3-D frame and amazing detail are must-see items. We even have two paintings done by actual headhunters who live on a tributary of the Amazon River.

There is also an assortment of prints and posters for all ages, plus empty or reusable frames for those things you’ve been putting off framing.

Table after table display functional and decorative items such as original signed pottery and odd pieces of china ranging from place settings of Royal Doulton to a set of asparagus dishes. There are also 13 art books dating back to the 1950s with removable prints suitable for framing. You’ll find beautiful glassware such as vases, perfume bottles, paperweights and decanters, plus a nice selection of silver plate, pewter and other serving pieces for holiday entertaining. There is even jewelry ranging from silver earrings to a 1960s Navaho beaded necklace. Interesting lamps and light fixtures include old brass sconces and a hand-painted lamp bought in New Orleans in 1950 that survived Hurricane Katrina and needs a new home.

Come find that one special thing you must have for yourself or which will make a perfect gift for someone on your list. Look up the number on the tag near the item in the binders on hand and bid by writing your name and phone number on its page. Then come back on a regular basis to see if someone has outbid you. It’s that simple!

Bidding will be closed out Friday at the First Friday reception and new items will be accepted up to the final day. You do not have to be present to win, just have the highest bid. For more information, call the ArtsNatchez Gallery at 601-442-0043 or me at 601-442-1722 or (601)493-4106.

Mary Ann Spell is affiliated with ArtsNatchez.