Brookhaven has become a thriving, artistically inclined community over the last several years with the help of the Brookhaven Regional Arts Guild and the city’s local artists.

In honor of those artists who have shared their talent, BRAG will host its eighth annual art competition reception Thursday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Vernon Room of the Lincoln County Library. Refreshments will be served throughout.

Winners of the eight art categories — acrylics, oils, pastels, drawings, mixed media, 3D, water media and photography — will be announced during the reception at 5:30 p.m.

“This is the biggest show we have had so far with quite an interesting array of art,” BRAG member Nancy Hanks-Myers said.

From now until the reception, art enthusiasts can vote their favorite piece on display for the People’s Choice Award, which will be announced during the reception.

“Please drop by, view the art and vote for the People’s Choice Award,” Hank-Myers said.

The art competition has been one way BRAG has created an interest in art in Brookhaven, she said.

“Every town needs a thriving art community,” Hank-Myers said. “This is one of our ways of creating that community and bringing interest to art.”

The art competition pieces will be on display at the library until Oct. 30.

“This event is free and open to the public, so we hope you will come and bring a friend or two,” Hank-Myers said. “I think you will be amazed at the variety of work we have.”