Winning the monthly art competition at February’s meeting of the Brookhaven Regional Arts Guild was Cherie Langston for her painting of a strawberry ice cream cone. The theme for the month was “Sweet Treats.”

Despite the oncoming stormy weather, BRAG’s Thursday, Feb. 20, meeting at Lemenadi saw attendance by 22 members and several guests from outside the area.

President Sue Minter discussed the bylaws for the new organization, which were amended in a few areas, including adding two new committee chairs – historian and reception, with Maxine Minter and Carole Bennett, respectively, serving in the positions.

A vote on the new bylaws will be held at the next meeting, which will be Thursday, March 20, at 5:30 p.m. at Lemenadi. Minter said she has extra copies of the bylaws available for any members who need them.

Plans also were made for the March meeting, which will feature Patty Hall, former president of the Hattiesburg Arts Guild, as the guest speaker. BRAG members were encouraged to send any questions they would like Hall to answer to Minter so she can forward them to her. Questions also can be posed at the March meeting.

Other upcoming plans include having Jackson artist Bob Tompkins visit in May for a demonstration of abstract art. “If there is enough interest, we may be able to plan a workshop with him,” Minter said.

In October the Golden Paints representative will be in the local area, and BRAG hopes to have him visit with the group and hold a workshop.

BRAG also hopes to sponsor the Weavers and Spinners Guild from the Jackson area in a show at the Lincoln County Public Library in August.

In October, BRAG plans to continue the annual art competition open to the public with a show and reception at the library.

BRAG also plans to continue its monthly member art competitions at each meeting. Caroline Kluge noted the upcoming art themes are:

• March – Rhythm and Blues

• April – What I like about Brookhaven

• May – Flowers

• June – Something Old or Something New

• July – Stars or Stripes

• August – Vacation

• September – Reflections

• October – Portrait.

All entries at the monthly competitions should be original works done by the member artist and can be anything from the visual arts field that represents the theme of the month. Members were encouraged to be imaginative.

Minter also reminded members to fill out the BRAG survey to help make BRAG into a guild all will enjoy.

Those interested in joining BRAG are encouraged to attend the next meeting. Those interested also can email the guild at Brookhavenregionalartguild@gmail.com.