The Tamaqua Arts Center and Tamaqua Area Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to showcase local and regional artists through a silent art auction held in conjunction with the Chamber’s annual awards dinner.

Artists are now invited to submit their work.

The event will be held Oct. 1 and will feature original artwork available through a silent auction, creating an opportunity to celebrate local creativity while supporting participating artists, the Arts Center and the local business community.

Artists are encouraged to participate with their paintings, photography, drawings and illustrations, sculptures, textile, and fiber arts and mixed media.

Aimee Dotson, the Chamber’s executive director, said she is excited to partner with the arts center.

“I am really excited to partner with Kyle (Whitley) and the arts center on this event. It is a great opportunity to bring our organizations together, support local artists and give the community another fun event to attend. We have so many talented artists in our area, and I’m really looking forward to seeing the work that is submitted,” Dotson said.

“One of the things we’re most excited about is giving artists an opportunity to put their work in front of a different audience,” added Whitley, arts center director. “The Chamber’s annual awards dinner brings together business owners, community leaders and people from throughout the area who may not normally walk into an art gallery. This partnership gives artists another place to be seen, while also showing how creativity and the arts are an important part of a strong community.”

Each artist may submit a maximum of two pieces of artwork, and there is no minimum age requirement to participate. All submitted work must be original, framed and ready to hang or otherwise fully prepared for display.

Each submission should include a short artist biography, the title of the piece and an artist headshot. Artists will also establish the starting bid for each piece they submit.

Bidding on submitted artwork will begin online before the event, allowing the public an opportunity to view the artwork and begin placing bids.

Final bids will only be accepted in person at the dinner.

Seventy percent of each final winning bid will be paid to the participating artist. The remaining proceeds will be divided equally between the center and the Chamber.

Submission of artwork does not guarantee a sale or payment to the artist. Artwork that does not receive a winning bid will be returned to the artist. A completed W-9 form will be required before payment can be issued to any participating artist whose work is sold.

Submitting artwork does not include admission to the dinner. Artists who wish to attend the dinner are responsible for purchasing their own ticket.

The deadline to submit artwork is Sept. 6. Artwork may be dropped off at the Tamaqua Arts Center, 125 Pine St., Tamaqua.

For more information or submission details, email marketing@tamaquaarts.org.