Ellington

If you see Daniel MacGregor around Jackson carrying a painting of a red skyline, don't be surprised if he asks you to hold it while he takes your photograph.

The Brandon artist is the founder of "Hold My Painting," a website he started to encourage the public to interact with art. The concept is simple: McGregor asks a stranger to hold his painting while he takes a photo, and then he uploads it to the website. Since starting the project six weeks ago, McGregor has added 170 photos to the site.

MacGregor wants to eventually transform his project into a social-networking site for local artists.

"It's a unique way of making it interactive, rather than just (saying) 'Hi, here's a business card,' and I go on my way," he says.

MacGregor, who earned his bachelor's degree in art from Mississippi College, works part-time as an information technology technician while he pursues his art. Instead of exhibiting his work in a gallery, MacGregor is hosting a "Hold My Painting" party Dec. 18 at the Flowood Library where participants will have the opportunity to hold several of his paintings and have their photo taken.

"It's a very simple thing, but it makes people remember you, and that is the really nice thing," he says. "Then, when you start having events and getting corporate sponsors, people really start to notice and (want) to get involved."

The Iowa native lives in Brandon with his wife, Alyson, and daughters, Ella, 5, and Leah, 9. He is a board member for the state chapter of Very Special Arts, an international arts organization for the disabled.

The "Hold My Painting" party is Dec. 18 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Flowood Library (103 Winners Circle, Flowood). The event is free and open to the public.