The biennial event continues to attract some of the biggest names and talents of the Australian art world, including pieces by former Archibald Prize entrants and winners.

“This indicates the profile that the Manning Art Prize now enjoys,” said gallery director Sue Mitchell, who added that this year’s lineup of entries is the strongest they’ve ever had.

Visitors to the exhibition can expect to see nudity in all its forms with a range of interesting interpretations by the different artists.

“We’ve got the more traditional nude paintings, the soft, realistic and romantic pieces that could have been painted any time in the last 200 years,” explained Sue.

“But then we’ve got the more contemporary entries that have been very much influenced by the time and modern media, it’s a great contrast.”

Gallery volunteers and staff have been busily hanging and prepping the gallery for the official opening of the exhibition tomorrow night, with all struggling to pick a favourite.

Thankfully that decision is being left to this year’s expert judge, John McDonald, the long-time art critic for the Sydney Morning Herald and former head of Australian Art at the National Gallery of Australia.

From photos, paintings and bronze statues, to knitted garments, paper clay and porcelain works there’s a range of artistic talents and skills on display.

There were 340 entrants for the prize, with 80 selected for the exhibition and $16,000 in prize money up for grabs.

The exhibition will be running from September 28 through to November 10 and is a must-see for art enthusiasts around the Manning.

According to Sue, about a quarter of the exhibition is made up of local artists who hold their own against the big names that include Ken Done, Kerrie Lester, Barry McCann and Wendy Sharpe.

“We’re very fortunate to have them be a part of the exhibition, but our local artists have really excelled and embraced this theme too, it’s wonderful to see,” said Sue.

And excelled they have, with local artist Miss G taking out the ‘Packers’ Prize’ this time, for her work ‘Materiality and the Feminine Cycle,’ a three-dimensional, 12 piece sculpture made up of white earthenware, porcelain and paper clay, that depicts the process of the female cycle, from genesis and budding, through to nesting and maturity.

To find out more about the Manning Art Prize or the exhibition contact the Manning Regional Art Gallery on 6592 5455, or see the thought provoking exhibition for yourself at 12 Macquarie Street, Taree.

As reported in Wednesday’s Times the gallery was fortunate to receive a genuine Norman Lindsay painting, ‘Woman and Satyr’ that sits perfectly among the other nudes in true Lindsay style and is also well worth a visit.