For the past 36 years, the Pearl River County Arts League has been fulfilling their mission statement of fostering art in the community by holding their annual Spring Art Show and Festival. While the show is for all artists in the community, League members will also participate in the show.

“We are growing. The show gets about 100 entries every year,” said Joanna Dupont, Vice-President for the League.

According to Dupont and Harriet Greulich, Publicity and Projects Director, the show is broken into two major facets. The first is the adult competition for anyone 13 years of age or older, and the second is the student show, being directed by League member April Holifield. Holifield will be coordinating the student show by working with the art teachers at the schools.

Jane Lee, 20 year veteran member of the League and Past President, is one of the members who will be exhibiting in the show. Born and raised in Pearl River County, Lee started painting in 1987.

Being told she needed very little instruction, Lee said, “I tell everyone I’m 99% self taught.” Lee works in oils and dabbles in watercolors. She also does embroidery, using a computerized sewing machine to create original purse designs.

Robin Veerkamp, two year member and President, also plans to exhibit some of her pet portraits and wildlife pieces.

Veerkamp has loved art since she was very young. For the past 15 years she has been able to compete and earn money for her work. Colored pencil, graphite and some pastels are Veerkamp’s preferred mediums.

With two full-time jobs, the League, according to Veerkamp, is her biggest social activity. “They are friends,” said Veerkamp. “It is nice seeing them around town.”

It’s not too late to enter the show. Categories for this year will include: oil, acrylic; watercolor; photography; pen and ink, charcoal, graphite, colored pencil, pastels, mixed (any two or more mixed with ink, etc.) and novice. The deadline for entries is on or before April 8.

For more details on the show rules and criteria, please call 601-365-8072.

The Pearl River County Arts League 2008 Spring Art Show and Festival will be held at The Cornerstone on Kirkwood, April 25-27. The show will be open to the public Saturday, April 26, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, April 27, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. For more information about the show, please call 601-365-8072.