The 2019 Annual Arts Gala will be making its return to Oxford on Saturday, Mar. 9, at 6 p.m. The event will take place at the Oxford Community Arts Center, 10 S. College Ave.

This year’s theme is “Passport to the Arts,” and will feature art recognizing different world cultures, food and music.

The gala serves as the center’s biggest fundraiser of the year and will feature many incredible gifts available for purchase. There will be an auction that gives buyers a chance to take a trip to Colorado, San Francisco or Chicago, each including their own benefits. A fishing trip is included for the Colorado package. For Chicago, if the Cubs are playing at Wrigley field during the scheduled trip, box seat tickets will be included in the package.

The BMW dealership of Northern Cincinnati has also collaborated to be part of the auction and is allowing anyone to bid on the opportunity to drive any of the cars on its lot for a weekend. A model car is also included in the package that kids will be able to drive.

In the silent auction, paintings, a security system, a private harp player who can perform at a show or private concert and jewelry will all be available for purchase as well.

Aside from the fundraising, there will be a focus on recognizing the different cultures of the world and bringing them into the Oxford community. There will be flags displayed from countries all over the world and decorations around the building will be representative of different cultures.

The art exhibits on display showcase work from around the world and depict places such as Peru as well as Mongolia. There will be food available from all types of cultures right here in Oxford.

Tickets are still available for purchase online for $85, and at the door for $95. All proceeds from ticket sales and auction buyers directly help with the continued operations of the Oxford Community Center and its continued work to bring the arts to the local community.