This year's Art Prize evening is set to officially open the Myrtleford and District Agricultural and Pastoral Show once more, on Friday, 24 October, for a night of artistic appreciation, with works from dozens of students, artists and residents all around the community.

Sponsored by Bank WAW and the National Centre for Farmer Health, the 2025 Art Prize winners will be announced on the night, with a WAW $1500 prize pool available.

Art Prize steward, Melanie Dymond, said the evening is a great way to celebrate the region's sense of community.

"We usually get a fair crowd on the Friday night," she said.

"The Art Prize is about artists displaying their work for others to enjoy, while having a glass of wine and some cheese and biscuits.

"There will be live music and thanks to our additional sponsor this year the National Centre for Farmer Health, we'll have a guest speake, Dr Justin Donaldson from Alba Health, to speak about the impact of mental health in the farming landscape.

"Last year we had approximately 160 pieces of artwork on display and we're anticipating a similar number for this Art Prize; it's very visually attractive and participation is open to everyone.

"My father was a professional artist, so I know it's very hard to break into that world and it's also a great way for kids to dip their toes into art.

"What I like about the Art Prize is it's very affordable to enter...once they pay the $10 entry fee, entrants can submit anything they like.

"They receive a 20x20 stretched canvas and they can use any medium, on any subject matter, to create their final artwork."

This year's judge is a local contemporary artist and the director of Beechworth Contemporary Art Space, Nina Machielse Hunt.

All artwork to be handed in on Friday, 24 October, between 9am and 12pm at the old basketball court in the Myrtleford Indoor Sports Stadium, with the Art Prize Opening Night to take place from 6pm to 8pm.