The appreciation of art, combined with the ability of many local residents to create art, has led to the creation of the Brookhaven Regional Arts Guild, or BRAG.

The guild is drawing off of past interest and participation in local art events – most recently, the annual arts competition held earlier in the month.

After five years of increased attendance in art-related activities such as the annual competition, a group of local artists and art supporters thought it was time to develop an all-year agenda of all things art related.

Owner and instructor of the Art Barn, Ava Jane Newell, one of the members of the new guild, has a number of ideas for BRAG in mind. The guild intends to go on art field trips, put on guest speakers and hold a children’s art show, according to Newell.

“We would also like to have an art competition, like the one at the library, but with Lincoln County residents only,” said Newell.

Members of BRAG will meet at Kathy Hix’s gallery, Lemanedi, on Thursday, Oct. 31, at 1 p.m. to elect officers, complete membership applications and pay dues.

Thursday’s initial meeting is open to all who would like to participate in the new guild. Dues are $25 for the 2014 year and are payable at or before the first official guild meeting, which will take place some time in the month of January, according to organizers of the group.

Newell anticipates seeing close to 50 exhibiting, or non-exhibiting, artists at Thursday’s gathering.

All artists in every medium and those who simply love art are invited to be a part of the new organization.

“Although it might be a little too soon to say this, we would like to eventually have our own gallery. That’s the next step,” Newell mentioned. Additional information can be obtained by calling Newell at (601) 757-9852; Nancy Hanks Myers, (601) 833-3144; Sue Minter, (601) 757-8550, Caroline Kluge (601) 320-3622; or Maxine Minter (601) 833-5132.