Hosted by the Hastings Valley Fine Art Association and held at the Laurieton United Services Club, the art prize and sale is on from December 28 until January 6.

Association president Bernice Daher says the event is its major exhibition for the year.

"We are expecting about 200 high quality art works from some 80 artists to form the exhibition," she said.

"This event is open to all artists.

"Renowned artist Gordon Rossiter is the guest judge.

"Each artist is restricted to three works of art each and we are expecting all mediums including water colour, acrylics, mixed media, dry media and a new category on small local works."

Ms Daher said all works are offered for sale.

She says an art exhibition is a window to a community.

"I think people attending this exhibition will notice the quality of the works on display and the experimentation of the works is improving year on year," she said.

"This exhibition is a great way to see what artists are doing in the local community."

Ms Daher said making a purchase at the exhibition was a good way to start your own local collection.

"Some of the artists on display have beautiful techniques and skills," she said. "Our focus is on high quality works within an award structure."

North Haven artist Vicki Syme has been painting since she was three years of age.

She says painting has followed her throughout her life.

"I became involved with the art association because you find out a lot about what is going on within the art community," she said.

"There are various exhibitions you can contribute to while you can also meet up with fellow artists which helps improve your skills.

"I also like the idea of being able to share ideas too."

Ms Syme said the association has groups operating in Laurieton, Port Macquarie and Wauchope.

"There is a lot of activities being undertaken by all these groups," she added.

She said all the artists tended to help each other out while the more experienced artists always help out the less experienced within the groups.

Ms Syme works in water colour and drawing type media.

Her preference is to produce scenes with her other area of interest in nature close-ups.

The Hastings Valley Fine Art Association Mid North Coast Art Prize '18 exhibition and sale is from December 28 until January 6.

The event is at the Laurieton United Services Club and is open from 10am until 7pm.

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