Artists who want to be one of those featured in the first art show and sale at the Manteca Historical Society Museum have until Monday, May 10, to sign up.

There are only a limited number of spaces that will be available so early reservations are encouraged, said museum director Evelyn Prouty.

“An Afternoon of Art,” an event that aims to showcase and highlight the wealth of artistic talents in the area, will be in the museum’s parking lot from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 22. Artists of every discipline, from oils and watercolors to photography and three-dimensional creations are welcome. Booth spaces are free because this is a first-time event, Prouty said.

While the show will not be juried, visitors will have an opportunity to pick their favorite artist, she said.

There are only 35 booth spaces available and free of charge.

“We have so much talent here in this community. This show will give the public an opportunity to appreciate what our local artists have achieved,” Prouty said.

To participate, artists need to fill out a reservation form and provide answers to a few basic questions. They will need to inform the museum, for example, whether they will be needing easels or a table for their displays.

For the duration of the show, the museum will be open for public tours. As part of the show and sale, the museum stage will feature a display focusing on art work by local artists from the 1870s to the 1920s. These will include oil paintings, china painting and photographs.

Depending on how this first show goes, Prouty said this event could be held every year.

“I hope we can do it annually,” she said.

To reserve a space or booth for the art show and sale, call Prouty at 982-0339.