NATCHEZ — The azaleas won’t be the only flowers blooming during Spring Pilgrimage.

Magnolias will also be popping up soon.

Beginning on March 6, ArtsNatchez Gallery will be displaying submitted works from their participating artists all based on the magnolia — tree or bloom.

ArtsNatchez secretary-treasurer Casey Hughes said the themed exhibit idea was the brainchild of participating artist Margaret Watts.

“One of our members had been in one before and thought that it would be perfect to have an exhibit like that one here during pilgrimage,” Hughes said. “I think we were talking about art that tourists like and someone happen to mention magnolias. Tourist love magnolias.”

But while Hughes believes the flower-themed art will be a hit with those viewing it, she said the artists’ reaction to the theme was less than enthusiastic.

“Artists hate magnolias,” she said. “They are too typical. Artists like to do more creative things. So when we first mentioned (the theme) there were a lot of moans and groans.”

But Hughes said the complaints were quickly hushed after the artists were told the submissions didn’t have to look like a Mississippi postcard.

“We told them they didn’t have to be realistic interpretations, although I’m sure we will have that too,” Hughes said. “I think, after that, they started to really get into it.”

And they had to get into it quick, since Hughes said the theme announcement came only about six weeks before Friday’s submission deadline. The quick time frame is not ideal by any means, but Hughes said she has been pleased with the response.

“We have several artists that are submitted multiple pieces,” Hughes said.

The fast turnaround has however limited some artists from entering since their chosen medium is more time consuming than others.

“It’s possible we won’t have any pottery because there are so many steps they have to go through,” Hughes said. “And our fabric artist said there was no way she could complete anything. Her pieces take so much time.”

But there should still be a good variety of works on display.

Works submitted for the exhibit include a bowl carved from magnolia wood, a necklace made using fresh water pearls with the colors of a magnolia, an enhanced photograph of a magnolia on canvas as well as watercolor, acrylic and oil paintings.

Another factor that might have served as motivation for the artists was the fact that on top of being exhibited, the works will also be judged with the winner receiving bragging rights and a cash prize, Hughes said.

The entries will be judged by Kevin Brodeur, local artist and co-owner of South Union Interiors in Natchez. As an artist, Brodeur is known for his landscape and still-life oils on canvas.

The winner will be announced at a winner’s reception from 5 until 8 p.m. on Friday at the gallery.

The art will remain on display until April 11. Hughes said all the pieces on display are also for sale until the exhibit ends.

Items can be viewed and purchased during normal gallery hours — 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., seven days a week. The gallery is located at 110 North Union St.

Hughes said since the gallery opened in April 2007, she has been impressed with the quality of work from the artists and the items submitted for this particular exhibit follow that trend, she said.

“We have some unbelievable artists in (the gallery) and they are all from Natchez,” Hughes said. “When we started this organization, we thought we’d have a handful of artists because it was a requirement that they be local.

“We were just amazed at how many good artists are here in the area.”

And since the gallery has been blessed with such talent, Hughes said she is hoping to turn the event into an annual exhibit that coincides with Spring Pilgrimage.

Artists should have plenty of time to prepare for next year’s competition and exhibit since the theme — columns — has already been announced.

“Since there are columns all over Natchez,” Hughes said.