The Natchez Art Association is proud to announce the exhibition of the works of seven artists from its art collection from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 4 at Britton & Koontz Bank on Main Street.

For the past decade, B&K has housed the collection of almost 80 pieces, displaying these in the main bank and the branches. B&K is hosting a special exhibition and reception featuring the works of several well-known artists — Marie Hull, Andrew Bucci, Rolland Golden, Walter Anderson, Clementine Hunter, Joe Yoder and Henrietta Joseph.

The Natchez Art Association had its beginnings in the 1950s well before the Mississippi Arts Commission began its work. An active organization of supporters, as well as artists, the NAA, under the leadership of Sue Meng and Jodi Foster, set out to make art available to the public by collecting and showing art at Choctaw as well as selling art. Monthly meetings provided social activity for the members. Sue Meng studied painting with Marie Hull in Jackson.

Seven pieces of Marie Hull will be shown along with three of protege Andrew Bucci. Most of the paintings were purchased by the NAA, but some were gifts from individuals, some from the artists.

Please come to see this impressive collection and share with us any stories from the past about the origins of Natchez Art Association. Find out if your relative donated a painting. You will see art that “looks like something” and art that is “way out.”

Learn a little of Mississippi art history.

Presently, NAA consists of practicing artists whose studies are at Margaret Martin Center for the Performing Arts and at the Priest House at Ellicott Hill.

Works by these artists will be available by silent auction.

We welcome more information about the early years of the Natchez Art Association, and we look forward to seeing you for the exhibition and reception Friday.

We would like to add you to our supporter list.

We offer special thanks to B&K Bank and Marty Seibert for sponsoring this event.

Carolyn Gwin is the secretary of the Natchez Art Association.