More than 100 local artists will have their works exhibited at Orange Regional Gallery for the next two weeks as gallery staff prepare to open the Here, Now exhibition.
The annual exhibition, which features only central west artists, is one of the most popular on the calendar in terms of the number of artists, the type of medium as well as the number of visitors to the show, says Orange Mayor Reg Kidd.
"It's great local artists can have their work shown in our renowned gallery," Cr Kidd said.
"For many of these artists, this is the first time they have been showcased in a professional art gallery.
"Our local artists will have their works shown in the same gallery as famous artists such as Roy Jackson, the Archibald Prize and Elizabeth Cummings."
Entry was open to artists, over the age of 16, living in the local government areas of Orange, Bathurst, Blayney, Cabonne, Cowra, Forbes, Lachlan Shire, Lithgow, Oberon, Parkes and Weddin Shire.
With the Gallery asking for new works not exhibited before and created within the last 2 years.
Orange City Council's Services Policy Committee Chair Cr Stephen Nugent said he was proud to open the exhibition on Friday night.
"Every year the gallery sets aside space and time to feature our local artists and it's great more than 100 people submitted works," Cr Nugent said.
"Many contributed several pieces and our curators will now choose at least one piece from each artist to showcase.
"We've had several pieces submitted by young artists between 16 and 20 years old, exhibiting for the first time and that is fantastic to see.
"This exhibition provides great exposure and experience for our locals.
"We also have a few well-known local artists exhibiting such as Madeline Young, Jaq Davies, Jude Keogh and Heather Vallance."
Cr Nugent said the exhibition would be broad in artistic range and would include paintings, sculptures, printmaking and design.
"Given the range there will be plenty to see, make comment on and share with the family, especially given the exhibition starts during the school holidays."
Here/Now will be opened on Friday July 12, at 6pm and run until July 28. Everyone is welcome to attend the opening.
Gallery director Brad Hammond installs last year's Here Now exhibition
