You can get your fill of local and regional art, and some delicious food, at the Quinlan Visual Arts Center's Gala Art Auction, set for Saturday at the center. The gala is the center's biggest fundraiser of the year.

Executive director Amanda McClure said there will be something for everybody to bid on, whether they're a novice art collector or artwork fills their home.

"There is a real potpourri of different styles here, and what we're really proud about with that is that there's something here for everybody," McClure said.

"There's a price point here for everybody. There's something for a collector who has a really established art collection and is looking for that wonderful piece to complement that, and there is something here for people just starting an art collection. And I say, when you're just starting an art collection, start with what you like and go from there."

The variety of the exhibit, McClure said, reflects the variety of artists affiliated with the center.

"We have a nice, diverse artist base here," she said.

"All different races, walks of life, ages represented, which is really nice when you see such a variety, and so that tells us we're doing our jobs."

A mix of new artists and Quinlan favorites like Dennis Campay will be up for auction, with a mix of media including encaustic paintings, ceramics, sculpture, traditional oils and more.

The gallery in the center of the Quinlan will showcase items up for bid in the live auction, while the surrounding, smaller galleries will feature silent auction pieces.

One piece, "Faster than a Speeding Bullet" by Mark Boomershine, will catch the attention of pop art enthusiasts ... and probably several children.

The painting features Superman in flight.

"He does his own very distinct representation of these very iconic figures," McClure said of Boomershine, who will be featured in a solo show at the Quinlan this summer.

"In this particular one, he's doing it in a very comical way, because you see the tattoo, "Super," (on his fingers). He's giving everything his own twist," she said.

In some ways, the gala gives a sneak peek at things to come. Boomershine's exhibit also will coincide with the Quinlan's summer camp, which will have a pop art theme this year.

McClure said this year's gala preview party, set for tonight, will again feature pizza from Quinlan sponsor Mellow Mushroom. Partygoers can get through the door for just $15 and can get a jump on the gala by bidding on silent auction items.

The gala, a much more formal affair for $125 per person, will open all the pieces for bidding, and feature several courses including a Caesar, avocado and shrimp salad, pork tenderloin and pralines.

Want to experience both?

"If you buy a ticket to Gala, you get a ticket to preview," McClure said.

For more information, call 770-536-2575.