There was a whole lotta art for sale at the 16th annual Art on the Avenue auction and party at Winter Street Studios. Several hundred art lovers showed up on two nights to bid on paintings and sculptures donated by 275 top artists in a silent auction.

A couple of new features highlighted this year's edition of the long-running fundraiser that benefits Avenue CDC, the non-profit organization dedicated to improving Houston’s Washington avenue and near northside by developing affordable housing and economic opportunities.

Organizers opened the event to Houston-area middle and high school art students, selecting winners in two age categories. Twenty-five of the students' pieces were included in the auction.

Also, organizers staggered bid times in each room of the massive venue to prevent all the winning bidders from converging at the check-out line at once.

Houston artist Sandi Seltzer Bryant hosted the preview party, where David Mendez, chairman and CEO of JPMorgan Chase's South Region, was recognized for his commitment to affordable housing in Houston. Mendez was also the event's honorary chairman.

A host of Houston restaurants, including Arturo's Uptown Italian, Beavers, Cafe Brussels and Jenni's Noodle Houston, provided refreshments while Two Star Symphony and jhon r. stronks/"there in the sunlight" Contemporary Dance Company performed.

Two nights later, the main event took place as Texas Johnny Boy entertained and guests received nourishment from El Patio and Georgia's Market Downtown delectables to build up their stamina for the bidding.

Among those in the crowd were Avenue CDC executive director Mary Lawler, Janet Meyer, Laura Bodenheimer, Ric Campo, Jim Richards, Jim Kirkpatrick, Tami Merrick, Debbie McNulty, Dean Ruck, Maud and Bill Lipscomb, Leslie Brubaker, Jeff and Michelle Majewski, Rebecca Grant, Mark Parthie and Raymond Saucillo.

The two events brought in $220,000, that will be used to build 20 homes in Houston's near northside.