Spotlight: Marcy Arts Partnership Gala

Party Saturday: Go for the art; stay for the good times. Or vice versa. Many of the Twin Cities top artists donate paintings, pottery, photos and other projects to support Marcy Open School, an arts-centered K-8 public school where professional artists often work with the kids. At this year's gala, more than 200 original artworks will be sold in live and silent auction, including sculpture by Wayne Potratz and Lisa Elias and photos by David Goldes and Dan Marshall, who took the image shown here of a painting donated by Charles Thysell. The auction includes a poem signed by Robert Bly and a hand-woven rug designed by Kelly Marshall plus ceramics by Emily Dyer, Josh Blanc and Layl McDill among others. Entertainment includes performances by Tiyumba, an African dance company, and fancy moves by Chicks on Sticks, an all-female stilt-walking troupe. Plus a band concert by Marcy's own The Cowardly Lions. And refreshments donated by Sen Yai Sen Lek, Brasa Rotisserie, Restaurant Alma, the Red Stag, Gardens of Salonica, 128 Cafe, Ginger Hop, Kafe 421 and the Blue Skies Winehouse. So much fun for a good cause. (6-11 p.m. Sat., $40. Soap Factory, 514 SE. 2nd St., Mpls. For info: marcy.mpls.k12.mn.us)