The art prize has been running for more than 20 years and has become one of the most prestigious competitions in the Macleay and surrounding areas.

There are sections for painting - any medium; photography, and sculpture - any medium.

Local photographer John Nalder said the competition would showcase some incredibly gifted works.

“We have some outstanding artists and it’s fantastic that council supports the art prize each year,” Mr Nadler said.

Entries in the 2009 Kempsey Shire Art Prize close on Monday.

Each section has $1000 prize money, and the overall acquisitive Kempsey Shire Art Prize selected from all entries will receive $3000.

The exhibition opens on July 11 at 10.30am in the Macleay Valley Community Art Gallery at Gladstone and will close on July 26 at 3.30pm.

In conjunction with the Art Prize a Makers Market will be held in the Memorial Park at Gladstone on July 18 from 8.30am.

All items for sale must be designed and made by the seller.

To book a market place or get an Art Prize entry form please phone Kempsey Shire Council on 6566 3226 or visit the website www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au/art prize-market.html