A total of 605 paintings have been entered and range from landscapes to post modern impressionism.

Entries have come from across NSW, Queensland and Victoria.

Competition judge Eris Flemming is a former GP who left medicine to become a full-time artist.

He has a particular love for the Australian bush.

Red Cross president Prue Hartigan said the exhibition was “great”.

“There are many different styles of art including Alison Nortish’s slumped and fused glassware and Anika Dark’s recycled creations,” she said.

The two featured demonstrators for 2008 are John Shields and Neville Logan.

Mr Shields is the former headmaster of Narrabri Public School and now lives in Richmond.

He paints oil landscapes.

Mr Logan, from Queensland, is a watercolourist.

The opening is to begin at 6pm. Winners will be announced at 8pm.

Cascade Poll Hereford Stud of Currabubula has kindly donated $6000 for the Winsome Busby Memorial Grand Champion painting.

Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea is available over the four days.

The exhibition runs from 6-9pm today, from 10am to 5pm tomorrow and Saturday and from 10am to 4pm on Saturday.

Admission tonight is $10 and includes supper and a catalogue.

Admission on the other days is $5.

* Kate Grey is currently on work experience at The Northern Daily Leader.