NATCHEZ &045; Sharon Goodrich, chairperson of the Magnolias and Moonlight Art Show, hopes those who appreciate Natchez for its stately mansions and picturesque scenery will come to know it for something more &045; a place to find unique and beautiful works of art.

The art show, which is in its second year, features original works by mostly local artists, is free to the public and was open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Natchez Room of the Natchez Convention Center.

It displays a collection that includes paintings, photographs, pen and ink works and pottery that can be purchased by the public at prices that range from $15 to $500.

&uot;When we started the show, we had two goals. One was to help establish Natchez as an art destination and the other was to help artist make money. Here, a family with a medium income can come and purchase incredible talent at an affordable price,&uot; Goodrich said.

&uot;One of the most exciting things is the different variety of things that we get from the artist here,&uot; she said as she motioned to a stained glass portrait of Robert E. Lee mounted on his horse Traveler, by local artist Ken Attenhofer, on display next to an oil painting of the Chicago skyline by Clarence Robson, also a local artist.

Artist Rob Hunt, a native of Lake City, Minn., said the art show gives him a chance to display his pen and ink and watercolor creations of the riverboats and architectural structures that draw him to Natchez.

&uot;I started coming to Natchez about 25 years ago to sell riverboat prints. When Sharon told me about the art show, I said ‘Sure,’&uot; he said.

Hunt said he travels the country with his wife, Billie, whose photography was also on display.

The two said they stay in Natchez during the fall and spring Pilgrimage seasons and appreciate the city for its colorful scenery and people.

&uot;One thing I really enjoy about Natchez is that it is very colorful. It seems like the flowers and the people are more colorful here in the South,&uot; Billie said.

Lawrence Mauerman, a photographer from Hammond, La., whose work was also on display Saturday, said although it was his first opportunity to sell his work at an exhibition, there was another reason he decided to participate in the art show this year.

&uot;We usually come to Natchez three or four times a year, we like it. I got involved here today because I thought it would be fun,&uot; he said.

Goodrich said that while the Magnolias and Moonlight Art Show is now only once a year, she hopes to change that.

&uot;We are thinking about doing it twice a year and having another one during Spring Pilgrimage,&uot; she said. &uot;I don’t think that there is an art show anywhere that can say they have quality as good as this.&uot;

Mary Armand, who had come from New Orleans to visit Natchez with her husband and three children, said she always likes when she finds art that represents something about the places she has been.

Armand said some of the art on display represented Natchez very well to her.

&uot;I love the work of Lee England and Ron Hunt is really good too. We love art and try to go and see it whenever we can,&uot; she said.

Her husband, Cory, said what he liked most about the exhibit was what it said about the experiences of the people who created the art.

&uot;It’s pretty special to come into town and see people’s work. It is like looking at a piece of their lives,&uot; he said.

The Magnolias and Moonlight Art Show will have another showing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today.