NATCHEZ — Art is like a child to the artists who give it life.

But like any good parent, artists mold their art, become attached, and must eventually let go.

Natchez Art Association President Brenda Hicks explained the process of releasing her art into the world at Saturday’s Y’art Sale.

The fine art yard sale on the lawn and inside the James Andrews House sold the offspring of 10 local artists, who donated 100 percent of the proceeds to the nonprofit association.

NNA member Ann Faillace began nurturing one of the paintings displayed at Saturday’s sale 20 years ago. It began as a sketch of a tree branch in the river, and matured into an impressionistic, pastel colored painting over the years, Faillace said.

Hicks said because the art was donated, the prices of the paintings, photographs, jewelry and mobiles at the event were on sale for discounted prices.

Saturday’s sale was the first-ever Y’Art Sale put on by the NAA, but Hicks said the association plans to host the sale quarterly in the future.

The proceeds were donated to the maintenance of the James Andrews House near the House on Ellcott Hill, which the members pay a fee to use as an community art studio.

NAA Secretary Carolyn Weir said approximately 12 members use the studio regularly.

Three or four artists can often be found in the studio on Saturdays, creating away in various corners of the room with an assortment of their favorite inspirational tunes playing on CD players.

“When I’m doing mobiles I like disturbed music, when I’m painting I like jazz and when I’m doing jewelry — it just depends on the mood,” Weir said.

“I like the oldies,” Hicks said.

Hicks said joining NNA is always looking for new members. Membership dues of $50 includes a 10 percent discount on all art purchased through NNA sales. Membership also gives artists and aspiring artists a 10 percent discount on some of the art classes NNA offers.

Hicks said NNA meets once a month, but the eccentrically prone personalities do not always adhere to the strictest of schedules.

“Getting artists together is like herding cats,” Hicks said.

“We’re all going in a different direction,” NNA Vice President Sandy Lane said.

Despite differences, Hicks said the local art community is a tight-knit group.

Lane said the Y’art Sale is a good deal for those decorating their homes on a tighter-than-usual budget, due to the economic downturn.

She said donations and sales have been down, so sales like Saturday’s event are a big help.

NAA has not yet planned their next Y’art Sale, but artists will be displaying their work for sale at the James Andrews House during the balloon races on Oct. 16-17.