Among the crowd were members of Pixie's family, who were very appreciative that the works have been 'uncovered' and put on display for all to enjoy.

"It was lovely for them to see so many people attend the opening with their nostalgia and memories of Pixie's work," said assistant gallery director Jane Hosking.

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For Pixie's daughter, Halcyon Evans, the exhibition gave her even greater insight into the impact of her mother's work.

"She remembered helping her mother with the paintings," said Jane.

"She used to think her mother's legacy was her books and stories, but now seeing this exhibition, she realises the amazing legacy she left in these works she did for hospitals."

Pixie, one of Australia's most loved and iconic storytellers, created works for Manning Hospital in 1957, to help brighten the lives of children on the children's ward.

The exhibition, on show until March 8, is receiving a fantastic response from the public.

"Visitors are at the door when we open in the mornings," said Jane.

"Many have their own anecdotes about their childhood visit to hospital, as well as women who had their babies there as well as former staff of the hospital who remembered the works fondly."

A highlight of the official opening was a performance by students from the Andrea Rowsell Academy of Dance,

"The dancers did a lovely performance of fairies, kickstarting the atmosphere for the exhibition," said Jane.

The event had a number of guest speakers, with a representative from the Pink Ladies, Corinne Lang, speaking about how valued the works are by the community and how much they appreciated the effort to bring them back to light.

Children were delighted with face painting and a Pixie wall where they could put their face into the elf or pixie for a photograph.

Activities for children continue through the exhibition with an art trail booklet with activities for kids to relate to the works on the walls.

"For every exhibition we have kids activity tables relating to the show and this one has colouring in and collage which can be done at any time," said Jane.

Entry to the exhibition is free.

Manning Regional Art Gallery is located in Macquarie Street, Taree and opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm, and Sunday 1pm to 4pm.

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