Are you a musician who would love a hand-crafted guitar? Or perhaps a former baseball player who would enjoy a batting lesson from an expert? Or maybe all you want is “Elvis” to come and sing at your party?
Well, the Averitt Center for the Arts can make those wishes and more come true during its silent auction fundraising event – “Feathers, Flappers & Follies.”
The event will be held in conjunction with the opening of an exhibit of paintings by Jeff Williams at the Averitt Center Friday, Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. The fundraiser is a black tie optional event and everyone is encouraged to dress with a 1920s theme in mind. Heavy hors d'oeuvres will be served.
“Fundraisers are an integral part of the Averitt Center’s operation,” said Melinda Roell, development director for the center. “Monies raised through this fundraiser go directly to support the mission of the Averitt Center for the Arts – to bring quality arts opportunities to Statesboro and neighboring communities.”
Roell said the Averitt Center serves an average of 50,000 people per year through its various educational and entertainment programs.
Willliams’ exhibition of paintings will be on display in the Averitt Center’s Main Gallery through March 2.
A painter since childhood, Williams studied at the Art Institute of Atlanta. In 2009, he was chosen to participate in the prestigious Societe Nationale des Beaux-Arts Show at the Carrousel Du Louvre in Paris, France and was commissioned as the official artist for the 2009 Kentucky Derby. In 2011, he was inducted into the Americus Walk of Fame. 
Friday’s event will include entertainment by Michael Braz, Ryan and Patti Kelly and the Georgia Southern Swing Cats. 
Brenda Dartt, long time costume mistress for the Georgia Southern Theatre Department will judge the costumes of those who choose to appear in 1920’s era dress.
Some of the auction items include an original hand crafted electric guitar donated by Chris Mitchell of Pladd Dot Music, a personalized portrait sitting with Krisha Craven, a party appearance by “Elvis,” a peacock blue acoustic guitar from DeLoach’s Music and an autographed limited edition giclee by Greg Mort. 
Several service items up for bid include a simple will, a tax return preparation, a catered party, architectural consultation, math tutoring and private batting instruction from Darin VanTassell. There are also several sets of tickets to regional performances including an Averitt Center 2012 -2013 Season Ticket package, tickets to “Memphis” at the Fox Theatre, tickets to the Columbia City Ballet’s production of “Sleeping Beauty,” and more. Several vacation packages are also available for auction.
The auction has two components. All items will be open for bidding during the event on Jan. 20. Some larger items will remain open for bidding via online through midnight Jan. 26.
The Feathers, Flappers and Follies event is open to the public. Tickets are $60 per person or $100 per couple and can be purchased by calling Roell at (912) 212-2787 or stopping by the Averitt Center on East Main Street. Reservations are recommended, but tickets will be sold at the door.