As the North Carolina Pickle Festival approaches on Apr. 26, the Arts Council of Wayne County is encouraging local art enthusiasts to get into the pickle spirit with its Art of the Pickle art contest which is ongoing through Apr. 23.

Entrants must use a Mt. Olive Pickle jar, which can be picked up for free at the Arts Council at 139 W. Walnut Street.

Pickle jars can be picked up from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from Noon to 6 on Saturdays.

There is a $10 entry fee and submissions must be entered by Apr. 23.

The contest is open to artists of all ages.