Preparation is nearly under way for the Lincoln County Art Competition and only lacks one thing: submissions from local artists.

     “We’re expecting a great show,” said Nancy Hanks-Myers, president of the Brookhaven Arts Council.

     Artists may submit works into the competition at the Lincoln County Public Library on Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. until noon and from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.     Entries will be judged in a number of categories and all works entered will be displayed at the library from Oct. 4 until Oct. 29. Entries will be accepted in the categories of oil and acrylic, water media, pastel and drawing, photography and 3D and mixed media.

     There will be first, second, third and honorable mention prizes given in each of those categories, as well as a best in show award and a people’s choice award voted on by visitors to the gallery.

     Before bringing their works by to submit, artists should take note of the framing requirements, Hanks-Myers said.

     All paintings must be framed or gallery wrapped with screw eyes and wires for hanging. Saw tooth hangers are not acceptable.

     Watercolors, pastels and works on paper must be covered with glass or Plexiglas.

     No entry may weigh more than 20 pounds and may not exceed 48 inches in any direction.

     An entry fee of $10 per entry is required, and each artist may submit up to three entries.

     The artist must retrieve their works on Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. until noon.

     This year, Jerrod Partridge, of Jackson, will judge the category awards and best in show prize. He received a Master of Fine Arts degree in painting from the New York Academy of Art and was a 2011-12 recipient of a visual arts fellowship from the Mississippi Arts Commission.

     Thus far, Hanks-Myers said there seems to be normal levels of interest from artists both local and more regional.

     However, what’s different from previous years are some additional awards that will be given, Hanks-Myers said. Various merchants have agreed to sponsor additional awards, including best portrait, best local scene, best wildlife/outdoor scene and best use of colors, among other categories.

     Some merchants will also supplement the main show prizes.

     “We ended up with some nice things,” Hanks-Myers said of prizes offered by retailers.

     A list of participating merchants hasn’t been released yet.

     All prizes will be announced at a public reception held at the library Oct. 11 from 4 until 6 p.m. Hanks-Myers plans to keep everything under wraps until the reception.

     “The judging will be Thursday morning,” Hanks-Myers said. “No one will know anything before the reception.”

     More than 100 artistic works were submitted to the show last year, Hanks-Myers said, and hopes are high for another strong show.

     “We’re anticipating more than that this year,” Hanks-Myers said.

     With submissions, artists must include registration forms. This will be available on registration day, but they are also available in advance from the library and some local retailers.

     Artists can also contact Hanks-Myers at modestyadnn@aol.com to receive a submission form.

     Artists are encouraged to offer their submitted works for sale.