The new prize will be officially opened during the 2011 Scone and Upper Hunter Horse Festival from May 12 to May 15 at the Murrurundi RSL Hall with an opening night on May 11.

More than 10 years ago a prize known as the Murrurundi Mist was called to a halt and faded into inexistence, and now the Murrurundi Art Prize aims to relinquish the same local talent.

The Murrurundi Arts Council will host the event and president Mandy Archibald said she was very excited to see the prize being launched.

Mrs Archibald said where the Norvill Art Prize (also hosted by the Arts Council) was a nation wide prize, the Murrurundi Art Prize was more of a local prize for artists within the Upper Hunter area in the following postcodes 2333, 2336, 2328, 2329, 2337, 2338, 2339 and 2343.

“This prize is to nurture local talent.”

She said the prize was already worth quite a substantial value, thanks to the excellent support from sponsors.

“We are very grateful to the community for all the generous sponsorship,” she said.

Prizes will be given for best artwork in the show, oil or acrylic, watercolour, works on paper – drawing and pastels, Stockman’s Challenge theme King of the Ranges, Page’s River theme Turning the Pages, fibre and textile works, over 18 encouragement award, under 18 encouragement award and the people’s choice award.

For more information, contact Mandy on 6546 6262, Gillie on 6546 6001 or visit www.murrurundiartprize.com