Brookhaven Regional Arts Guild is ramping up for its seventh annual arts competition that is set to begin in October.

BRAG President Sue Minter said this show is one of the most popular in the area because of the prizes and the stiff competition.

“We have great artists,” she said. “It’s stiff competition in all categories.”

There are seven categories: acrylic, oil, pastel, watercolor, photographs, ceramics, mixed media, 3D and drawing. Prizes are given to first ($100), second ($75) and third places ($50) in each category. Honorable mention receives a ribbon. There is also a $150 prize for best in show and $100 for people’s choice. People’s choice will be chosen by library patrons throughout the month of October.

Most awards will be presented during the reception Oct. 15 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Best in show will be awarded on Oct. 31.

Minter said the show is not just for artists — art-lovers enjoy it too.

“If you’re willing to take yourself to the library, you will see we are not an average art community; we are way above average,” she said.

From dance recitals to Brookhaven Little Theater performances to Mississippi School of the Arts programs, Brookhaven showcases a variety of top-notch talent.

“I wish I knew why, but I’m awfully proud of it,” she said.

Minter guessed the main reason Brookhaven’s art community is so successful is because of the nurturing environment in the area.

“We have the Little Theater, the arts guild; we have Brookhaven Trust,” she said. “We have the vehicles to nurture it.”

Minter also gave credit for BRAG’s success to Nancy Hanks-Myers for her dedication to raising awareness.

“She will walk or drive almost anywhere to get the word out,” she said.

Minter said she hopes the arts continue to thrive in the community, and BRAG’s goal now is to get a few “art for art’s sake” galleries opened. They are currently working with BLT in the hopes of adding a gallery in the Haven Theatre, but she hopes to see a couple more.

She said art galleries benefit the community because they not only provide something to do, but something that can be done without scheduling the event. They benefit the artists because it becomes easier to sell their art when people can see it. The annual arts competition gives a taste of that each year.

Registration date is Oct. 1 in the Vernon Room at the Lincoln County Public Library from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. The show is open to all artists 18 and older. Three entries per person are allowed at a cost of $10 per entry. The art should be no larger than 36 inches and no heavier than 20 pounds. Art must have wire hangers in place.  No sawtooth hangers are permitted.  All art work must be original.

“Anybody who likes to paint or dabble in ceramics should never be afraid to show your art,” Minter said. “When you compete against others, it only makes it better.”

For more information about the show, email modestyann@aol.com.