This last artwork by beloved SFA art professor Gary Frields, created before his death last year, will be featured in a special auction during the annual 12X12 fundraiser presented by the SFA Friends of the Visual Arts. Silent auction bidding on other pieces begins July 2, and the party/sale is at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 19, in Cole Art Center.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Silent auction bidding for the SFA Friends of the Visual Arts' 12X12 fundraiser gets under way Wednesday, July 2, at The Cole Art Center @ The Old Opera House in downtown Nacogdoches.

The annual event, which will culminate with a party and sale at 6 p.m. Saturday, July 19, raises scholarship funds for students enrolled in the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Art.

Approximately 70 artists from Nacogdoches, Lufkin and other areas of East Texas create the 12-inch-by-12-inch panels of artwork. The artists do not sign the front of their work, so no one knows who created which piece.

At the July 19 party and sale, each 12X12 artwork not bid on will be sold for $100. Additionally, raffle tickets will be sold for $5 each or $20 for five tickets, and any unsold work will be raffled off. Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce President Bruce Partain will serve as the master of ceremonies.

As a highlight at this year's auction, the last artwork created by the late Gary Frields, beloved professor of art at SFA who died last year, will be featured in a special auction.

For more information, call The Cole Art Center at (936) 468-6557.