A year ago, the Upstate Artists Guild was facing bankruptcy and eviction from its storefront gallery at 247 Lark Street but, through a series of fundraisers, pulled itself up by its bootstraps and managed to keep the doors open.

“The Upstate Artists Guild is a not-for-profit volunteer organization, open to all, which promotes the appreciation, practice, and enjoyment of art.” the organization states on its website. “Our mission is to promote art education and artistic endeavors throughout the community; to maintain a space in which to meet for the purpose of exhibitions, lectures, and instruction; and to work with the community to stimulate an interest in the arts.”

The bootstrap pulling continues this Saturday, February 23, when the Guild presents its second annual fundraising gala from 5-10pm at the Normanside Country Club in Delmar. It sounds like a rockin’ good time: the theme for this year’s bash is Black and White and they’re promising a night of art, music, food and fun featuring a silent auction of works by local art groups and artists and performances by The Sharks, William Hale, Second Hand Roses, DJ OFI, DJ Rana Ransom, comedian William Hughes and poet Dan Wilcox. The Champagne Preview portion of the evening will feature a “Buy it Now” option for the auction items and exclusive entertainment. Tickets range from $35 to $100.