The annual showcase sees artists from across New Zealand submit original pieces for judgement, all of which will be on display and available for sale across the weekend.
Leigh Cooper, an event organiser and parent of the school, said they had accepted 240 pieces this year, and attendees could look forward to a good variety of work.
"We’re just so lucky that the school has got this event," she said.
"It exposes these artists to the Southern region, [and] local people and holidaymakers to a variety of amazing works."
Tonight’s opening event will see judges announce this year’s award recipients, with a $20,000 acquisition prize going to the overall winner.
While tickets have already been swept up, the exhibition will remain open to the public until Monday afternoon.
Queenstown and Southland artist Kelly Pearce, winner of last year’s best landscape artist prize, and this year’s guest artist, said shows such as the Craigs Aspiring Art Prize were a great way to bring emerging creatives and a community of keen art lovers together.
"I think that’s really awesome for people to see a national body of work.
"It’s a way for artists to start, to get some confidence, to get known."
Mrs Pearce, who predominantly works in abstract or semi-abstract oil painting, would have five pieces on display in this year’s exhibition, which all explored the feeling of "walking in a dark garden just after twilight".
"Perhaps you’re driving through a dark landscape at night, where there seems to be little to see; however, if we take the time, let our eyes adjust, things are revealed to us."
Started in 2007, the Craigs Aspiring Art Prize is Holy Family Catholic School’s main fundraising event of the year. It raised $30,000 for the school in 2023.
For past Holy Family pupil Ruby Burke, the event reflected the school’s commitment to fostering artistic talent among future generations.
"We had a guest artist come into Holy Family when I was 10, and ever since she came in I’ve always wanted to be an artist," she said.
"I’ve always looked up to all the artists entering in the competitions and having such a long history with it before I could enter has always made me so honoured to be able to be a part of it."
The Time of Pearls, Ms Burke’s entry into this year’s competition, is a portrait of current pupil Harriet Primmer.
The exhibition will be held at Holy Family Catholic School on Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 10am until 4pm each day.
Entry costs $5, while children under 12 are free.
