It was a love of the arts that inspired Natchezian Hedy Boelte to pick up a paintbrush four years ago.

As an art lover and collector, Boelte was no stranger to the art world. She also worked with local artists on promoting their work and classes.

After Boelte helped local artist Marina Cavette promote a workshop, Cavette suggested Boelte take the workshop.

“I told her I couldn’t draw a stick,” Boelte said.

But Boelte took the workshop anyway.

“Once I learned, I discovered this was a world beyond the world,” she said.

Boelte is hoping to bring that world to Natchez with a series of artist workshops with master artists.

“I realized that the greatest benefit to an artist’s life is to have a great teacher, so I went out and recruited the best teachers you could get,” Boelte said.

Boelte has organized workshops with Jackson Hole, Wyo., artists Tammy Callens, Meredith Campbell, Fred Kingwill and Dwayne Harty. New Orleans artist Phil Thompson may also host a workshop, Boelte said.

Boelte has a Jackson Hole home and first met the artists after hosting a reception for the artists through the local art association in Jackson Hole.

The artist workshops are Boelte’s contribution Natchez’s Tricentennial celebration.

“I’ve been invited to participate in the celebration of art for the tricentennial, and this is what I want to do for the community,” she said.

It is Boelte’s hope the workshops will bolster Natchez’s already established art community.

“You’ll never be a good art community unless you have excellence, and these artists are truly excellent,” Boelte said.

The first workshop is Oct. 8-10 with oil painter Tammy Callens of Jackson Hole. The workshops with the other artists will continue into November 2016.

Callens is an award-winning artist “proficient in landscape, figure and portrait subjects” who “utilizes traditional painting techniques in a decidedly contemporary fashion,” according to her website.

Natchez will be Callens’ first trip to the South.

“I’m so excited; I really can’t wait to see the area and meet the people,” Callens said.

Callens will be in Natchez for three weeks for the workshop and also to complete other work.

“I want to capture the people in the area,” Callens said. “That’s another big thing for me there, to capture people in their normal lives through portraiture.”

And Callens hopes she can pass along some of her knowledge to other artists in Natchez.

“As far as the arts go, it’s always great to share what you’ve learned in your own personal adventure,” she said.

Callens said she is also excited to use her work to contribute to the tricentennial celebration.

Tricentennial Director Jennifer Ogden Combs said the artists’ workshops perfectly illustrate the essence behind the tricentennial.

“This is at the heart and soul of what we are working hard to do,” Combs said. “These individuals stepping forward and doing what they can with what time, energy and resources they have.

“That is, to me, what is going to make 2016 not only a success, but make meaningful and long-lasting change and growth in our community.”

To sign up for the workshops, contact Carolyn Weir at the Natchez Arts Association by calling 601-870-7717 or sign up online at natchezartassociation.org.