The masterpieces have arrived and most of the artworks are already mounted on the walls, Scone Arts & Crafts president Pammie Saunderson-McLeay says.

With more than 100 pieces this year, the exhibition boasts nine sections including the addition of a brand new local category. 

“This year we have a second special prize for local entrants only, which is an open section named the Frans Kernker Memorial Prize,” Ms Saunderson-McLeay said. 

“This is for an artwork from any section, by any artists who is a resident in the Upper Hunter or Muswellbrook shires and the prize is $2500.

“It is named in honour of one of one of our great champions over the years, Frans Kernker, kindly donated by his partner.” 

In addition, there will be a wide range of categories on display, from watercolour, pastel, painting and drawing to ceramics and sculpture, miniature works and a special figurative and portraiture prize for artworks depicting the human form. 

The major reward on the night is the $5000 Bobbie Paradice Prize for a work in any medium with the remaining seven prizes worth $500 each. 

Ms Saunderson-McLeay said the exhibition attracts a large number of locals, visitors from out of town, local artists and artists from the greater Hunter, Sydney, the Central Coast and even Queensland.

The judge this year is Murrurundi designer, art dealer and co-owner of Haydon Hall, Peter Carlin who will open the art prize on Friday night and announce winners. 

The official opening of the Scone Art Prize takes place on Friday September 7 at the Scone Arts & Crafts Centre, 63 Kingdon Street, Scone.

Doors open at 6.30pm. Admission is $15 and free for children under 15.

The exhibition is open daily from Saturday September 8 to Saturday September 15 from 10am to 4pm and on Sunday September 16 from 10am to 1pm. 

Cost is a gold coin donation.