Shirley Thring has only been in the Macleay for the last 20 years, but the widely travelled artist has been painting since 1980, and she is more than impressed by the display.

"What we have at the Mid North Coast Art Exhibition is an interesting collection because it has every medium I can think of," she said.

"There are 141 pieces total, 137 paintings, and four sculptures, and there is everything from watercolours, to beautiful sculptures made from collected tools.

"It is a wonderful exhibition for everyone, the viewing public, but also artists and students because it shows such a wide variety of techniques that they might not have seen before."

The Mid North Coast Art Exhibition is running until February 28, 9:30am to 4pm daily, and features a total of 17 artists, 14 of which are from the Macleay.

"This exhibition is another chance for local artists to showcase their talent around their home and has the added benefit of supporting the firies," Shirley said.

"There was an optional exhibition entry fee for artists, that will be donated to the NSW Rural Fire Service, and a voluntary commission donation on sold paintings, there is also a gold coin donation for the public to enter the gallery.

"The gallery is just wonderful and so large, it is perfectly set up to display paintings."

A committed group of volunteers are running this event and regularly give their time to the Slim Dusty Centre, but Shirley hopes their numbers will increase very soon.

"Anybody looking for a great place to volunteer should get in touch with us at the Slim Dusty Centre, it is one of the few places where you can learn a wide variety of skills on the job," she said.

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