Art and community will be on exhibit at the annual Art Gala on Saturday, May 2, from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Emory School of Medicine.

Sponsored by the Emory School of Medicine, this student-run event celebrates creativity and artistic expression as an essential component of health and humanity. It will feature the work of local artists through painting, drawing, photography, mixed media and jewelry design for viewing and purchase.

Live music and performances by members of the Emory community will celebrate the performing arts.

"We are building off of our simple yet expansive theme of 'Community' this year to showcase the Emory medical community and the greater Atlanta community that guides it," says Andrew Ritter, Emory University School of Medicine, MD candidate, Class of 2018.

A silent auction will also be held with art-related items including jewelry, tickets to performances, music lessons, and more, plus non-art related items such as a week at a beach house in Pawleys Island, South Carolina; gym memberships; gift certificates to local restaurants; and others.

Ritter says the art featured at the event will be contributed by about 70 artists, including both members of the Emory community and local artists. Artists profiles and their works and more information about the gala is on the Art Gala Facebook page.

"The Art Gala proceeds will be primarily going to support the [School of Medicine] Class of 2018 and the free student-run clinics that serve the underserved populations of Atlanta," Ritter says. These are free weekly clinics at Open Door Clinic, Harriet Tubman Women's Clinic, Gateway Clinic, Good Samaritan Clinic and Central Night Clinic.

Although the purchase of tickets isn't required, a minimum $20 donation, which includes food and drinks, is requested to support the students and their mission. Dress is semi-formal or business casual.