The exhibition, which will feature over 200 pieces, carries $3300 in prizemoney. Artists are encouraged to leave their works as part of an on-going exhibition.

Entries are due by Thursday April 4.

The Port Macquarie Art Society hosts the event and Port Macquarie News is a major sponsor.

An official opening and prize awards will be held at the Manor House from 6pm on Wednesday April 17.

Organiser Maureen Cooke says the public is invited to the official opening with admission $15 or $10 for exhibiting artists.

The exhibition is open each day from Thursday April 18 10am until 6pm, closing at 4pm on Tuesday April 23. The exhibition is then open on restricted days and hours each Tuesday and Thursday 9am until 11.30am and 1pm until 3.30pm and Sundays from 9am until noon.

Guest judge is Simon Mark.

Mr Mark relocated to the Macleay Valley some 20 years ago and has many years' experience teaching, to all levels, art subjects such as drawing the figure, painting in oils, water colour and gouache, landscape and still life.

He has exhibited his work in major city and regional areas throughout Australia, Ireland and New Zealand.

He has been chosen as a finalist in notable competitions around Australia such as The Sulman, The Blake, The Duke and The Kilgour.

This year's exhibition features six sections - Section 1, Open category; section 2 watercolours; section 3 pastels; section 4, contemporary; section 5, drawing; and, section 6 non-competitive section.

All art works in the exhibition - and there will be over 200 pieces - are available for purchase.

Mrs Cooke said the official opening includes finger food and wine with public admission set at $15 and exhibiting artists' entry set at $10.

"The annual Easter Art Exhibition has a proven record of attracting work by leading artists, not only from Port Macquarie and the Hastings but far beyond," she said.

Sponsors include, Morgans in section 1; North Corp in section 2; Adenbrook homes in section 3; Priest Legal in section 4 and Lighthouse Beach Holiday Village in section 5.

The Port Macquarie Art Society was established in 1894 and has been continually part of the Port Macquarie community at its heritage-listed home base on Hastings River Drive.

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