Opening night is next Friday, May 2.

The festival will continue over the weekend, May 3 and 4.

Wangi Lions Club will stage the event at Rathmines Community Hall.

In addition to the paintings and craft sections, a sculpture section with a $700 prize has been added to this year's event.

Wangi Workers Club has also sponsored a new award, to be known as the Dobell Prize, which will go to the artist who is judged to have the best overall exhibit in the show. They will win $1250.

There are 10 cash prizes to be won, and the total prize pool has risen to $6000.

This year's festival is expected to feature more than 300 original works of art by local artists.

The opening night function includes supper, refreshments, entertainment and the prize presentations.

The $15 entry fee for the night will also include a weekend pass to the festival.