NATCHEZ — An unusual painting hanging at Natchez Water Works’ office not only has a Natchez connection but it also sums up part of the company’s philosophy.

“The Natchez” by the late Clinton B. Driver Sr. of Northport, Ala., was donated to Natchez Water Works by Driver’s family and owners of Tank Pro Inc., a company Natchez Water Works contracted with that specializes in maintenance of elevated water tanks, City Engineer and Natchez Water Works Superintendent David Gardner said.

Motor oil, shoe polish, fingernail polish, lipstick and other household items are not exactly what one would think of for art supplies, but Driver used recycled items to create his paintings. “The Natchez” was painted on a recycled storm door and depicts the Natchez steamboat.

“Mr. Driver really believed in recycling,” Gardner said. “There’s no paint involved; it’s shoe polish and other things. He painted with whatever he could find. It’s even on a old scrap door.”

Many office paintings depict landscapes of faraway places from no-name artists that just fill wall space, so when Natchez Water Works was offered the donation Gardner said he did not hesitate.

“We’re really fortunate to have it because it’s so unique.”

And the recycled material aspect of the painting also matches Natchez Water Works’ efforts to reuse and recycle, Gardner said. For example, he said, Natchez Water Works has been given two awards for its solar-powered greenhouse system at its wastewater treatment plant that turns sewage sludge into organic fertilizer.

“(The painting) absolutely matches what we’re trying to do,” Gardner said.

The painting is a sight to see, Gardner said, and he encourages the public to stop by the office and see it.

“It’s definitely unique to Natchez, and we’re very proud to have it.”