Now in its 56^th year the Currabubula Red Cross' Art Show has become a staple on the national art calendar, and for good reason, with hundreds filling the local hall for opening night on Thursday.

Mr White's watercolour piece Harvest, depicting "an absolutely beautiful vase of spring flowers and basket of fruit on a table," won the top gong, although painting coordinator Rosalie Davis said the judge had to make some very tough decisions as he ran his eye over some 400 original works.

Local artist Cila Ellis of Duri took out the top award in the oils and acrylics section with her piece Coffee and Cake, while Kootingal's Pen Shephard won the locals award for her intricate oil piece Sally.

Central Coast artist Julie Simmon's piece My Local Bush Land was judged the best water colour, while Sydney's Kim Madden's Late Afternoon Lake Kununurra won the any other medium prize, and Bernadine Mueller's Free as a Bird took out the miniature gong.

While Mr White took home $6000, the category winner's all went home with $1000, with the People's Choice Award winner to be named on Sunday.

Currabubula Red Cross president Audrey Peake said that every single year the quality of art continues to impress herself, and everyone else that drops in.

"It is known as the best art show outside of Sydney," she said.

"We have had pieces come in from all over the country."

The little town with the big heart are making a huge weekend of the show, with the Currabubula Public School also hosting a Small Schools Art Show over the weekend that has attracted over 1000 pieces from 16 small schools.

Principal James Steel said Saturday is the perfect day to visit, with the school also acting as a polling booth.

"Come out and vote, grab a democracy sausage, have a look at both art shows, and then go to the local pub for lunch, or dinner, and see it all," he said.

"Good food, good art, good times."