The chairwoman of the Lakes District Museum gallery committee, along with committee members and museum director David Clarke, were yesterday quickly, but calmly, preparing, arranging, hanging up and squeezing in all 180 artworks on the walls before the grand opening on Friday night.
More than 200 people were expected for the popular launch, at which more than $5500 in prizes will be awarded to the best of the 100 artists from throughout New Zealand.
Mrs Bain said the exhibition had gone from a craft show to "something quite prestigious", which was reflected in the "very good, high calibre" of paintings, sculptures, ceramics and jewellery submitted.
The selection committee had its work cut out whittling down 350 entries to the final 180.
"We find we had to explain why people have not got their work in, which is hard, and we have to consider the framing because all items are for sale, Mrs Bain said.
One of the surprises this year was a $2250 set of three blown glass sculptures from a Wanganui artist, she said.
Professional artist David John, of Arrowtown, who added the people's choice award and a merit award in last year's exhibition to his trophy cabinet, will debut as guest judge.
The top prize is the Premier Locations Realty painting award of $2000. The 150th anniversary in 2012 of the discovery of gold inspired the exclusive Locations gold award of $1500 for the artwork which reflected or depicted the precious metal in material, colour or theme.
Other coveted prizes included the $500 Print Central best local artist for painting, the $500 Millbrook Resort best local artist for all mediums other than painting and the $500 Berry & Co premier award for all mediums other than painting.
The festival committee sponsored the $250 emerging artist aged 25 years or under, while the $250 Dezign Arrowtown people's choice award will be voted during festival week and awarded afterwards.
Arrowtown Gallery sponsored two merit awards of art supplies and the museum sponsored the third merit award.
The exhibition begins in the museum's gallery on Friday at 7.30pm. Entry costs $5 and included the first drink.
Proceeds will go towards exhibition and museum costs.
The show runs until May 20, then makes way for the festival's Art 2 Wear wearable art collection, from May 25 to June 25.
