USF’s art department has its frames full Friday with several art events packed with creativity, films and music.

The Fine Arts Hall will hold the Second Annual Master of Fine Arts Organization (MFAO) Silent Art Auction – a fundraising event to help raise money for future MFAO activities – and ArtHouse, an annual event hosted by the School of Art and Art History.

The auction – to be held in Room 228 – will feature various works including photography, prints, sculpture, drawings and paintings.

Early-bird bidding will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for USF faculty, staff and VIPs, which includes people who purchased work at last year’s auction and those who discussed why they should be a VIP with USF graduate student, Ellen Mueller. Public bidding is from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Mueller started the auction last year with four other students.

“We were looking for a type of fundraiser to help us fund our various exhibitions, and this seemed like a good way to bring in extra money for our organization,” she said.

There were no plans to hold another auction, which is also an opportunity for graduate students to showcase their work, she said. But last year’s success changed their minds.

“Last year, we brought in about $1,000 for the organization … we’re hoping to match that this year or even exceed because so many people know about the event this year,” Mueller said.

Some of Mueller’s artwork will be on auction.

“It’s a good opportunity for graduate students to get their work seen by potential buyers and customers,” she said. “When you sell any piece of art, it’s a great feeling and a huge opportunity. Not only does it benefit the department but (it) also benefits the artists individually as well.”

Now in its 12th year, ArtHouse provides an opportunity for the Tampa Bay community to visit studios and galleries of the region’s premiere visual arts program. Classrooms will hold students’ work.

Both events offer hundreds of paintings, photographs, prints, sculptures, ceramic works, music, videos, performances, food and drink.

Gloria Quigley, academic program specialist for the art department, has been involved with ArtHouse for the past five years.

“The student work every year keeps it interesting. You see the student work from the beginning and … then you see the different things they come up with,” Quigley said. “Every year, the students show us something different. They always have new ideas.”

Friday will also conclude the 34th Annual Student Exhibition and Art History Research Paper Competition. Awards are presented at 7 p.m. in the Contemporary Arts Museum followed by the opening of the MFA Exhibition, “Rouse.”

The exhibit not only gives graduate students the chance to display their work, but also network with other artists who attend the event every year.