Port Macquarie Art Society secretary Maureen Cooke said the opening night was a grand success with about 80 people in attendance.

Simon Mark was the guest judge in 2019.

John Bodill won the open section for Gum Trees, Roger Speaight placed first in the watercolour section with On the Edge, the pastels category was taken out by Jill Cairns for Creek Crossing, Marie Nolan gained first place in the contemporary category for Trees in the Glen and Barry Beames won the drawing category for Siesta.

The exhibition is open each day from 10am until 6pm, closing at 4pm on Tuesday, April 23, at the Art Society Heritage Gallery at Hamilton Green.

The exhibition is then open on restricted days and hours each Tuesday and Thursday from 9am until 11.30am and 1pm until 3.30pm and Sundays from 9am until noon.

The exhibition had humble beginnings in the Galleria Building with five paintings 44 years ago.

The 2019 event at the Art Society Heritage Gallery at Hamilton Green, off Hastings River Drive, features more than 160 pieces.

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