The reception will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and an award ceremony for the 78 local artists and their 178 pieces of art will begin at 5 p.m. Food will be served at the reception.

Competition chairwoman Christine Fore said the event, which has already been planned for next year, was far more successful than planners expected. Participants were many, and 17 local businesses sponsored the event.

"We were hoping against hope that we would get 100 entries," she said. "We got 178. It also means we have the seed money for next year. We intend to keep this going, and we've booked the library for next year."

Fore said the entry process lasted four hours. Instead of a trickle of artists and their works coming into the library throughout that period, she said artists began lining up at the door before the process began.

Mississippi School of the Arts students made a healthy contribution to the competition with three-dimensional art, she said.

"It says to me (the arts) need more support," Fore said. "When I first moved here six years ago, I had in the back of my mind that this town, if it wants to be a retirement community or a Homeseekers Paradise, needs to nurture its artists. One of the things people do when they retire is turn to things like art."

Bruce O'Hara, an art professor at Tougaloo College, judged the competition.

In the oil/acrylic category, Diane Burris claimed first place with "Fifties Family."

In the watermedia category, Missy Wilson claimed first place with "Imagination."

In the pastels/drawings category, Donna Arbelle claimed first place with "Still Life With Fruit."

In the photography category, Kay Calcote claimed first place with "Study in Blue."

In the 3D/mixed media category, Daniel Calcote claimed first place with "Yellow T and Cup."

Roberto Bonilla was awarded Best of Show with his photograph, "Passage #6."

The 17 participating businesses also chose their favorite pieces for merit awards. Chosen were:

* Ava Jane Newell, best portrait, "Our Friend Maxine."

* Rhonda Rich, best abstract design, "Over Tones."

* Sheila Stewart, local scene, "Old Bridge, Brookhaven."

* Marguerite Smith, wildlife/outdoor scene, "Winter's Bounty."

* Beverley Dick, use of perspective, "Afternoon in Venice."

* Gwin Robertson, best still life with food, "Little Brown Jug."

* Janet Campbell Smith, best pottery/ceramics, "Amphora I."

* Wilfred Dick, best sculpture, "Cotton Picker."

* Thomas Morgan, best photo in black and white, "Patio Shadows."

* Rosemary Leggett, best landscape, "Splash of Spring."

* Debbie T. Whittington, best seascape/waterscape, "Sunset on the Atchafalaya."

* Christine Fore, best figure painting, "Pas De Deux."

* Mickey Moak, best still life with flowers, "Calla Lillies."

* Tammy Forman, best use of color, "Red Passion."

* Bettie Bullard, best photo in color, "Secret Basilica."

* Missy Wilson, best overall presentation, "Imagination."

* Gwin Robertson, best dramatic action, "The Winner."