Aspiring artists, if you haven’t started work on your entry forthe second annual Lincoln County Art Show and Sale in May, there’sstill time to get that work done.

The show, sponsored by the Brookhaven Arts Council, will be heldthroughout May at the Lincoln County Public Library, with thereception being held May 8. Show Chairman Donna Arbelle said theevent was a resounding success last year, and that organizers lookfor more of the same.

“It was so much fun and so many people enjoyed it, and people camefrom all over,” she said. “The work was really good, and the judgehad a difficult decision on who won. That room in the library wasjust so full, we didn’t know where we could fit them all.”

Last year there were 178 entries from 75 entrants, Arbellesaid.

Most of the entrants brought three pieces, though some only broughtone or two, she said. And they were all kinds of artists.

“They all seem to know what they’re doing, and they seem to enjoywhat they do,” she said. “And when you can turn out work that ispleasing to the eye, you definitely have some talent.”

The show is open to any and all Mississippi entries, but especiallyLincoln County entries, as long as they’re original.

“The majority were from Lincoln County and some were from down inMcComb, some from Crystal Springs, somebody came from Percy Quin,and there were a couple from Jackson, though not too many,” shesaid. “But pretty much Lincoln County had the majority.”

No copies of works or things that have already been published willbe allowed in the show, she said. All paintings must be framed oron gallery-wrapped canvas with screw eyes and wire, ready forhanging, and works done on paper must be protected by glass orplexiglass.

Also, Arbelle said, anything that’s already been shown at thelibrary is not allowed in the show. And her advice to each andevery artist is to be ready to step it up a notch.

“For entrants, bring your best, if you want to win a ribbon orwhatever,” she said. “And for the people coming to view the show,it will be quite enjoyable, please don’t miss it. It’s once a yearand once a year only, and if you miss it, you’ve missed somethingreally nice.”

Entries can be made at $7 each, or an artist can enter three piecesat $20. Categories include oil and acrylic painting, watermedia,drawings and pastels, photography, and mixed media and 3D entries.Entries must be no larger than 48 inches in any direction and noheavier than 20 pounds. Sales must be conducted through theartist.

Entry forms and tags will be available in mid March at We Frame Itand Interior Attitudes in Brookhaven, and Japonica Gallery inMcComb. Anyone with questions can call Arbelle at 601-833-3589.