This year the exhibition theme sounds simple but organiser Amie Collins said the works were diverse. 

“We received so many interesting items,” she said. 

“Everything from hand-forged knives to crocheted quilts, denim jeans, coke bottles, model cage fights and hanging mobiles of kitchen utensils – the creativity and individuality of each entry has been great to see.”

The competition opened on July 18 and closed on October 12. 

“During this time we received many entries from people with a disability from all backgrounds,” Ms Collins said. 

This year a whopping 220 entries came in. 

“Of those, 176 artworks were selected as finalists and are now on display in the foyer of Tamworth’s Ray Walsh House,” Ms Collins said.  

“The works featured come from all over NSW – Armidale, Barraba, Cessnock, Dubbo, Dungay, Evans Head, Gunnedah, Inverell, Lismore, Moree, Muswellbrook, Nambucca Heads, Newcastle, Sydney, Tamworth and more.” 

The competition is open to all disability support services in regional NSW.

“We have a diverse mix of participants,” Ms Collins said. 

This year local artist Michelle Hungerford will judge the competition. 

Prizes will be awarded to the winners in a special presentation    on Monday, December 3, the International Day for People with a Disability.

Now in its fifth year, the exhibition, originally held in 2008 and called Celebration, was designed to celebrate Challenge’s 50th year. 

It was such a huge success organisers decided to make it an annual event.