Installation shot of some of the work available at this year’s MCAD Art Sale. Pictured work includes art by Richard Thiher, Gregory Ganeles, Tynan Kerr, Samantha French, Levi Murphy, Sarah Wieben, Gretchen Wagener, Jonathan Williams, Emily Atchinson, Betsy Byers, Austin Swearengin, Clinton Rost, Codi Leister, Colin Kopp, Adam Pape, Matt Ollig, and Tyler Stefanich.

One of the most eagerly anticipated sales for budget-savvy art buyers, the annual MCAD Art Sale, is coming up this weekend. Every year, there are thousands of pieces up for grabs, made by students and recent graduates from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design.

The school has launched the careers of some of the region's most notable artists,  so it's no surprise that art lovers come out in droves on the hopes of picking up a one-of-a-kind piece by an artist who just might turn out to be the next big thing.

Whether you're looking to play talent scout for a night, or just looking for some affordable, well-crafted art to adorn your living room, it's a good deal. When I've attended the sale in previous years, I've found the assortment of student work to be both varied and consistently accomplished. And since the proceeds from the sale go directly to these young artists, it's a particularly effective way to support emerging, local up-and-comers.

This year, more than 7,000 pieces have been hung on the MCAD gallery walls and, according to the website, the college expects to sell better than 5,000 of them. Everything on sale is priced at less than $1000, but most works can be had for under $100. (You can see a preview of the artwork available in a slideshow posted exclusively on the MCAD Art Sale's Facebook page.)

A note about when to go: If you're serious about buying something, it's worth forking over the money to get a ticket to the Friday night opener. The sale only runs for 11 hours, and the really good stuff is likely to be snapped up early.

The MCAD Art Sale will take place Friday, Nov. 20 (6 p.m. to 9 p.m.) and Saturday, Nov. 21 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) Advance tickets to Friday night's sale opening and reception are going for $35; at the door, tickets will cost $40. Admission to the sale on Saturday is free and open to the public. Click here for more information.