IF YOU fancy spending the day immersed in art and supporting those hardest hit by drought, then get along to the 55th Currabubula Red Cross Art Exhibition and Sale.

Each year the historic Currabubula Memorial Hall is transformed into an art lovers’ paradise, with money raised going the Currabubula Red Cross and a drought relief fund.

The annual exhibition fills every available space at the hall with a wide variety of artworks. As well as vying for a range of prizes, the artworks are also available to purchase.

First held in 1964, the art show grew from the demise of the Tamworth Art Society’s art exhibitions of the 1950s. When those exhibitions came to an end, a couple of members attended a Currabubula Red Cross meeting, bringing knowledge and equipment and inspiring to group to hold to host its first show.

In 2015 the Currabubula Red Cross branch received a national Distinguished Team Award from Australian Red Cross for its continuing work on the art show.

Currabubula Red Cross Branch painting co-ordinator Rosalie Davis said the show was an icon to preserve for Australian Red Cross and generations of artists to come.

“The art show has been going for 55 years, it is a well-established show and we do have some very high quality paintings,” Mrs Davis said.

“I think that’s because anything well established becomes well-known and also because the proceeds go to Australian Red Cross.

“The last three or four years the money raised has been going to drought relief.

“I think for every organisation such as Red Cross or a service club, the money generally goes back to where it’s most needed.”

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There will be 463 entries in this year’s exhibition from throughout NSW including Sydney, as well as Victoria and Queensland.

The number of entries is down from 505 last year and slightly less than the 476 entries in 2016.

However, the average value of paintings in this year’s show is $1129, up from last year’s average of $931.

The sale averages between 80 and 120 painting sales each year.

“Artists who put their works in are eligible for prize sections, but it also must be for sale and we take a 20 per cent commission,” Mrs Davis said.

Funds raised are donated to the Australian Red Cross and this year it will again support the Western Region (NSW) Drought Fund.

Awards at the show include the championship prize ($6000) and section prizes ($1000 each). There is also a miniatures prize ($600), a local artist section ($500), an encouragement award for promising artists and a people’s choice award ($1000).

All awards are open to any artists, but the winner of the championship is ineligible for other prizes.

The show also includes a display of quality hand-made silver jewellery, hand-made treasures and a guest exhibitor, this year displaying hats and fascinators.

Two painting demonstrations will run throughout the event. This year’s demonstrators are long-time supporter John Shields (oils) and Julia Hardman (watercolours and mixed media).

Cost of entry includes a catalogue, and there is morning and afternoon tea and lunch available to purchase.