Each year, the folks at the Anderson County Arts Center throw off their smocks and smattered work clothes and don evening gowns and suits for the annual Arts Auction. And each year, the group raises tens of thousands of dollars to support their facility as well as the many arts education programs they put on throughout the year.

This year, the Arts Auction has a particularly daunting task as it battles a rough economy while trying to raise the money needed to “keep the lights on” within and outside the Anderson County Arts Center. Thankfully, it has a lot to offer this year.

This Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Anderson County Arts Center Warehouse, 110 Federal St., Anderson, the 26th annual Arts Auction will take place under the theme of “Art Like an Egyptian.” Using classic Egyptian themes, the group will put hundreds of items up for silent and live auction in an effort to raise some dough.

“I am so excited about the artwork that was donated this year,” said Kimberly Spears, executive director of the Arts Center. “It’s tremendous, as usual, and the artists never let us down.”

In addition to the art, fine jewelry, cosmetic procedures, exotic trips and more will be up for sale while guest enjoy an array of food courtesy of seven area restaurants in and around Anderson.

Friends on the Cove, Nami, The Galley, Sullivan’s Metropolitan Grill, Main Street Deli, Food Junkie, Jax New Orleans Bistro and The Chiquola will offer up succulent cuisine like lamb chops, crab cakes and stuffed pork, some of which will carry an Egyptian theme. There will also be soft drinks and adult beverages to partake throughout the night.

For the first time in many years, the event will be held at the Arts Center Warehouse due to budget constraints. It’s a new challenge for the organizers, but one they feel will work well in the end.

“We are coming back home,” Spears said. “We hadn’t planned that, but we have to raise funds and not simply spend the money on the party.”

There will also be live entertainment at the evening attire and black tie event. Tickets are $150 each at the King Tut patron level and $80 (members), $90 (non-members) or $100 (at the door) at the King Ramesses patron level. For tickets or more information on booking a table of eight, call 864.222.2787.