From art and pottery to charcoal drawings and jewelry, there should be something for everyone at the 16th annual Marketplace.

The Medical Center Auxiliary and Gainesville Bank & Trust have brought together more than 70 merchants from eight states for the event. There will also be home accessories, clothing, antiques and Christmas items featured at the sale.

"This is not just a fundraiser but a friend-raiser," said Scarlet Pendarvis, one of three chairwomen for the event. "Another reason the auxiliary is involved is to get people interested in our hospital and how great it is to have such a nice establishment such as the medical center and how important that is to the community."

Other chairwomen include Caroline Cobb and Elizabeth Embry, who combined their efforts to lead a committee of 30 volunteers.

To kick off the event there will be a preview party today for those who purchase a ticket through Volunteer Services at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

"(It) includes dinner and a return ticket to shop for the weekend," Pendarvis said. "There is a silent and live auction, heavy hors d’oeurves and a cash bar."

The proceeds from the three-day sale will benefit Northeast Georgia Health System’s Women’s Imaging Outpatient Services.

"We’ve been doing this for 15 years and we’ve grossed over $1 million and netted $622,000 to benefit services of Northeast Georgia Medical Center," Pendarvis said. "Last year we have over 3,700 admissions sold."

Complimentary valet parking and a parking shuttle will be available.

Two artists will also be at Marketplace this year.

Julie Deane will be creating charcoal portraits of children or pets for $175 on Friday and Saturday by appointment only.

"They are filling up, but there are spaces available and you can call Volunteer Services to set up a time," Pendarvis said.

Along with Deane, silhouette artist K. Housel Bogue will be at Marketplace on Saturday. Two copies of a silhouette will be available for $30.