Formed in 1972, the Pearl River County Arts League aims to increase community involvement and promote local artists by providing them with an avenue to showcase their artistic skill and grow as an artist.

The group now has 65 members who are art enthusiasts from the community. They create through various mediums including oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastels, 3-dimensional painting, mixed media, woodcarving, pottery and photography, president Laura Ousset said.

Last year the league had about 60 members. Each year membership grows, Ousset said.

She said the group hosts an annual art show in spring featuring artists from the surrounding area within Mississippi and Louisiana.

“We gain a member or two each year through the show,” Ousset said.

During the show, a raffle raises money for the league’s Margaret Dawsey Scholarship Fund, which is awarded annually to a student majoring in art, Ousset said.

At the league’s monthly meeting on the first Tuesday of each month, an “Artist of the Month” competition is held to encourage the continued production of art, she said.

At the end of the year, the PRCAL Artist of the Year is chosen based on the categories of traditional wall hung art, 3-dimensional work and photography. They also have a chance to feature their work at the annual Art Show in the spring, Ousset said.

To increase participation, the group tries to host some sort of demonstration at the monthly meetings.

One of these demonstrations included the creation of an encaustic painting, which requires the use of hot wax, she said.

“We help each other out and provide inspiration…and are a group of friendly folks who try to help each other in the world of art,” Ousset said.

Membership to the Pearl River County Arts League is $25 for an individual and $35 for family. Student members are free.

For more information visit prcartsleague.org.