Gwinnett Daily Post

DULUTH-- The Duluth Fine Arts League will sponsor an "Evening in the Tropics" on Saturday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Duluth Art Gallery in downtown Duluth to highlight local artwork.

"(Evening in the Tropics) will feature the artwork of over 50 artists and there is everything from visual arts, paintings, sculpture, woodwork (to) mosaics. It's a wide variety of beautiful local art featured in the gallery," said Kay Montgomery, event spokeswoman.

This year's event has an exotic tropical theme and will feature appetizers, wine, a silent auction and tropical live music including a steel drum musician for an authentic tropical atmosphere.

Montgomery said the silent auction will have fun items to bid on, including a two-night stay at Lake Lanier Islands, original art pieces and tickets to Keith Urban's summer concert at the Arena at Gwinnett Center.

"In the years past, we just kind of had an elegant evening, and this year we just decided to shake it up and change it, make it more casual," Montgomery said. "We felt like because it's in the summer it'll be a lot of fun and we are going to use that decor to make it an exotic tropical night. We think it's going to be pretty successful."

The Duluth Fine Arts League is a nonprofit organization created to promote and expand the arts in Duluth, and event proceeds will go toward Duluth High School student scholarships for students who plan to major in the arts.

Tickets are $20 prior to Saturday, and $25 at the door. However, parking is free.

"I think it's going to be a lot of fun," Montgomery said. "There are going to be a lot of opportunities to see and do a lot (and) meet up with local friends in Duluth. This is an opportunity for people in Duluth to come together and celebrate, not only the arts, but the community."