Although the Quinlan Visual Arts Center typically invites visiting artists to display their work, the center's latest exhibit hits a little closer to home.

This evening, the Quinlan will hold an opening reception for the 64th annual Members Exhibition, which will run through Dec. 3.

The reception is from 5:30-7:30 p.m. today at the Quinlan, 514 Green St. NE, Gainesville.

The exhibit will be judged by John Hutchinson, director of music and arts for Cumming First United Methodist Church. In 2008, he helped initiate the church's festival of arts, which has grown to include more than 700 visual artists and multiple concerts.

Ribbons will be awarded around 6:15 p.m. for Best of Show, first- through third-place selections and honorable mentions.

Admission to the reception is free for Quinlan members, with a suggested $5 donation for nonmembers.

In addition to showcasing the members' work, the center is also planning to help folks find a second home for their underappreciated art, antiques and collectibles.

From 1-4 p.m. Oct. 22, the center will hold Homecoming at the Quinlan, a second-hand art sale. The event will also include a tailgate that will begin at 12:30 p.m. in the center's lower-level parking lot.

"This is the first year that we've done the tailgating. The whole reason behind it is that because as a nonprofit, when you're trying to plan a fall fundraiser, you have to compete with football," said Amanda McClure, Quinlan executive director.

"In Gainesville, it's not just college football, it's local ball, too. We figured since we can't beat them, we might as well join them."

McClure says they strategically picked an off-week for the Georgia Bulldogs, but the center will show other televised games in the center studio.

Tickets for the tailgate, which will include barbecue and raffles, are $15 per person or $25 per couple. Live music will be performed by Hobohemians.

Tailgaters must RSVP by Oct. 20, while art donors have until Oct. 21 to bring in their tax-deductible contributions.