The exhibition officially opened on Thursday night with the Yarrahapinni A cappella Choir entertaining 120 guests and the Macleay River Women’s Business Network providing the catering.

Macleay Valley Community Art Gallery committee member Barbara Huntington declared the night a raging success.

“It was terrific,” she said.

“It was an opportunity for women artists to meet other women artists so that in the future they can collaborate on exhibitions and learn from each other.

“A lot of women who entered art were first time exhibitors, so it was the first time they’d seen their artwork on the wall of a gallery, which was really exciting for them.

“It also encourages them to keep going and validates that what they’re doing is worthwhile and important.

“People were stunned (by the quality of the artwork).

“They loved the diversity – we had sculpture, textiles, photography, jewellery, ceramics, painting and printmaking.”

Ms Huntington thanked the Macleay River Women’s Network and praised the performance of the Yarrahapinni choir, saying “it was beautiful.”

“They were practising in the hall before and after as well, so we were lucky enough to be listening to their wonderful music all night,” she said.

11 artworks were sold across the duration of the exhibition, which Ms Huntington said was a great result.

“It’s always terrific when things sell.”

The Macleay Valley Community Art Gallery will be running the exhibition for International Women’s Day again next year at the beginning of March.

On Thursday April 15, an exhibition by Roger and Jenny Gifkins, will commence.

“Many people will know of Roger and Jenny,” Ms Huntington said.

It will run until April 2 and will feature woodwork, textile and astro-photography.