Start the bidding this Friday at the Seattle Design Center.

Whether you’re an art aficionado or just hope to decorate those bare walls at home, art auctions are a great way to find quality work from local artists. This is certainly true of SOIL Hoedown: 2011 Art Auction, which kicks off at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 21 at the Seattle Design Center in Georgetown.

The event, which celebrates its 16th anniversary this year, is hosted by auctioneer Laura Michalek and will feature pieces from more than 70 artists (click here for an online preview).

A sweet tea bourbon and lemonade Hootenanny cocktail will have you ready to visit the special “Buy the Farm” section made by SOIL members or play “Gittin’ Lucky in the Hay.” Guests will even receive commemorative bandannas to sport while enjoying hoecakes and other treats.

SOIL was founded in 1995 as a non-profit cooperative space, and is currently supported and operated by local artists. It aims to spotlight experimental and underrepresented artists in Seattle and offers an alternative opportunity for them to display their work.

Since opening, SOIL has shown more than 100 different exhibits, and usually debuts new displays on the first Thursday of each month at the group’s art gallery, located in the Tashiro Kaplan Building near Pioneer Square.

The auction will be held on Friday, Oct. 21 from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $20 presale, and $30 at the door.

SOIL Hoedown | 5701 6th Ave. S., Suite #392, Seattle | Friday, Oct. 21