There are two pieces of special interest for anyone deeply connected with Auburn University of the University of Alabama, and each has a story to tell.

It was Connie Vickers, art teacher for the Arc of South Talladega County clients, who got the idea, to create two very interesting pieces of art for the ArtPartners and VSA Alabama art auction Sept. 16.

This year’s event is designed as a “Show Your Colors Tailgate Party” and will be held on the grounds of Comer Museum and Arts Center in Sylacauga.

Vickers’ pieces are in keeping with the auction theme, each contains actual rubbings of landmarks done at both campuses, done by Arc clients with her supervision.

Assembled as collages, the Auburn and Alabama pieces are both framed and were done using crayons and oil pastels.

This is the sixth year for the event, which raises money to support the Arc’s art programs, which have been hugely successful for the adults with developmental delays that it serves, said Beverly White, director for the Arc.

VSA Alabama is a statewide, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving children and adults with disabilities and chronic illnesses through the arts. The organization offers visual arts, drama, creative writing, drumming and rhythm, creative movement, music therapy and art therapy programming. Annually, VSA Alabama serves over 3,000 people with disabilities and chronic illnesses through our programming in community, educational, and healthcare settings across Alabama.

VSA Alabama was founded in 1984 as an affiliate of VSA, an international nonprofit organization serving millions of people every year through a nationwide network of affiliates and in 51 countries worldwide. VSA was founded in 1974 by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith as an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

The Arc of South Talladega County connected with VSA six years ago to enhance arts opportunities for their clients.

“VSA Alabama programming in Sylacauga includes visual arts, drumming, and drama,” said Sarah Margaret Wade, program director for VSA Alabama. “VSA’s mission is to serve children and adults with disabilities and chronic illnesses. All programming has a focus on group collaboration. Other benefits of VSA programming include artistic skill development and creative exploration, opportunities for role models and mentoring in the arts, the development of creative thinking skills and problem solving, and increasing self-esteem through the arts and the practice of social skills in a group setting.”

This year’s auction begins at 5:30 p.m. and continues until 8 p.m.

Fun, food and activities will be spread all over the museum grounds, and a live auction will determine who goes home with their favorite pieces of art.

Food served will be “tailgating appropriate,” said Comer Museum Director Donna Rentfrow.

Entertainment includes several area jazz ensembles.

Tickets are $20, available at the Arc of South Talladega County or from Comer Museum and also the night of the auction.

Supporters may also sponsor easels for the event. Sponsorships range from $75 to $500, To sponsor an easel, call the Arc of South Talladega County at 256/245-2323 or Comer Museum and Arts Center at 256/245-4016.

Artists contributing their time and talent for the event include Mary Ellen Hurr, Shirley Dawkins, Carol Laney, Chick Lively, Shirley Pody, Jimmy Reynolds Jr., Sue Ridley, Glenda Rumsey, Don Smith, Erin Yuskistis, Donna Hill, Ali Decamillas, Sarah Margaret Wade, Alice Thomas, Kevin Whitman, Elder Session, John Tilly, Tommy Moorehead, Donna Rentfrow, Cheryl Eyster and Donna Abrams.