The public is invited to a free mixed-media celebration and collaboration in Buford today. The idea for the celebration began last fall.

From 6 to 9 p.m. at Tannery Row Artist Colony on Main Street, artists Judy Surowiec, Dennis Primm, other colony members and some invited artists will be exhibiting art that includes words. All works from 30 submitting artists have at least one word in the piece.

Refreshments will be served and artist studios will be open. Those attending can wander around and meet the artists.

"Since we're having Georgia renowned poets and they're going to be speaking words, we want to use words as part of our theme," said Carol Straquadine, a Tannery Row member who specializes in oil paintings.

Jenny Bishop Heaton helped recruit the poets for the event. Heaton, a Tannery Row artist who also is a member of the Georgia Poetry Society, has been writing poetry for 12 years.

There will be a "mystery poet," who also is an artist and a sometime actor, Heaton said. He will close the evening with his performance.

Tannery Row is at 554 W. Main St. in Buford.