Nature will be the theme of the Vicksburg Art Association’s season-opening show and membership drive, Sept. 23 at the Firehouse Gallery, 1204 Main St.

The show features an exhibit of tablescapes and is part of the year-long Hobbs Freeman Art and Nature Celebration, paying tribute to the Vicksburg artist whose work often revolved around nature.

The Southern Cultural Heritage Center is co-sponsoring the VAA’s opening show and Annette Kirklin, executive director of the center, said the tablescapes were a favorite of Freeman’s.

“When Hobbs hosted dinner parties he often did tablescape,” she said.

Freeman was a local artist, sculptor, builder, jewelry maker, cook and gardener who spent the majority of his time outdoors and was known as an ambassador for both art and nature. He was an active member of the VAA who participated in shows and redesigned the court yard garden at The Firehouse Gallery, which serves as the association’s headquarters.

“We wanted to be a part of the Hobbs Freeman celebration to honor his memory,” said Jean Blue, a local artist who serves as the gallery’s chairman.

Blue will also be one of the nine artists to compete in the tablescape show along with Randy Jolly, Carol Zoerb, Diane Klaus, Ruth Wilkinson, Jo Glyn Hunt and Liz Taylor.

Blue said that the artist will start out with a round table and will use only natural and found objects as decorations.

Since this art show is just for fun, Blue said that a people’s choice award will be given to the winner.

In addition, the event will feature about 20 pieces of art by New Orlean’s artist Kathy Gergo, whose work embodies nature.

The event will run from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 23 and the tablescapes and art work by Gergo will be on display from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Sept. 26.

The VAA will continue to host monthly events and programs throughout the year, with the yearlong Hobbs Freeman Art and Nature Celebration culminating in a downtown festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 3.

Kirklin said the festival will include street vendors, story-tellers, art, food, bands and a movie in The Firehouse Gallery courtyard at the end of the day.

For a complete list of events visit VAA’s Facebook page and for more information on becoming a VAA member, call 601-831-0306.