The Vicksburg Art Association is gussying up for its 50th, or silver, anniversary, but the festivities will be red hot.

The theme of the Dec. 2 party will be based on “Moulin Rouge,” the 2001 movie about a French brothel starring Nicole Kidman. The film featured beautiful girls, elaborate costumes and top-rate singing and dancing.

In French, moulin rouge means red mill and, ironically, the VAA’s headquarters — the Constitution Firehouse — is red, and that’s where the festivities will take place.

The Dec. 2 event will feature the VAA’s annual fundraiser, and hors d’oeuvres and cocktails will be served.

“The important part of this party is the silent art action,” said Lesley Silver, owner of the Attic Gallery and a VAA board member. “Anyone can submit art, and 50 percent of the proceeds will go to the VAA.”

Items up for auction are not only an individual’s work, said Silver, but have also included donations from someone’s personal art collection, weekend getaways, a guided outdoor walk, spa days, baked goods, dinners at someone’s home. Submissions will be taken at the Constitution Firehouse Gallery from 6:30 to 8:30 Nov. 29 through Dec. 1.

For the party, guests are encouraged to dress in “Moulin Rouge” attire.

“Molly Procell is this year’s chairman for the party. She is very excited about doing the party,” said Silver, “and usually that enthusiasm and excitement comes over the party.”

The VAA was founded in 1961.

The first four or five years, the group’s focus was promoting art shows, said board member Jean Blue.

But in 1971, the city and the VAA entered a lease agreement, and the VAA became trustees of the Constitution Firehouse at Main and Openwood streets, allowing the VAA a place for shows. Previously, Blue said, art shows were held at different venues in town.

The lease agreement with the city states that the VAA is responsible for the maintenance of the building. Along with promoting art shows, raising funds to maintain the structure has become a focus for the group.

Before the firehouse became home to the VAA, Blue said, it was being used as a storage facility by the city. The VAA had to do several cosmetic upgrades before it could be used as a gallery.

“The Constitution Firehouse Gallery hosts two adult art shows during the year, one in the fall and one in the spring,” said Blue, “and in the spring there is an art show for students.”

It is also used for VAA meetings and workshops, she said.