The Lincoln County Public Library is hosting an exhibit of artwork by Brookhaven resident Del Loy during the month of May.

Loy is a self-taught artist who primarily works in oils. He paints a variety of motifs including landscapes of rural Mississippi and Texas. He has recently focused on scenes around his neighborhood. Some of these paintings are now on display at the library.

“The works are all of Brookhaven,” Loy said. “All down South Jackson Street and South Church Street — lawns, yards, and houses.”

Loy has been a lifelong student of art. As a child, he drew on whatever paper was available, often the backside of brown paper grocery bags. In high school, he was president of the Art Club, yet received no formal instruction in painting. During college, he began painting in oils but after marriage, he focused on family and career.

Five years ago, he picked up his brushes again after retiring from the family supermarket business in Natchez. He and his wife Renae moved to Brookhaven four years ago to be near their son and family, and Loy paints from his home studio.

Part of the library’s role in the community is to present educational and artistic exhibits. One way of fulfilling this role is to host exhibits of local artists. Community members are encouraged to recommend interesting displays for the library. The Library’s Display Policy sets the guidelines and procedures for these exhibits.

The Library also has a permanent art collection, with seven works of original art exhibited on a rotational basis in the permanent exhibition gallery space.

While Loy’s art will be on display in the Vernon Meeting Room for the entire month of May, members of the community can meet with the artist to discuss his art at a public reception Wednesday, May 21, 4-5 p.m. at the library. The reception is free to attend and will feature light refreshments.

For more information, visit https://www.llf.lib.ms.us/policies/display-policy.