For more than 40 years, the art show, sponsored by The Advertiser, has been a feature of Bendigo’s Easter festivities.

Rotary Club of Bendigo member Bryan McMahon has organised the event for the past five years and this year will hand over the reins to Graeme Clarke.

“We have artists from New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland and Victoria,” Mr McMahon said.

Works in a variety of mediums will be on display and sections include contemporary and traditional/realist.

“We have one painting worth $15,000, but most of our sales are between $500 and $700.We won’t know until March 19 how many entries we have.”

Mr Clarke said it was anticipated about 600 paintings would be on view.

“We are also running a raffle and have so far $2300 of prizes to give away.”

Last year more than $66,000 was raised through the show, with proceeds donated to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal and a men’s health program for rural workers.

Mr McMahon said this year the standard of entries would be lifted after it was announced the two $2500 prizes would be non-acquisitive.

“In the past, for a $2500 prize an artist was not going to enter a $4000 painting,” he said.

“This time they get to keep the $2500 and the painting.”

Mr McMahon said five $500 highly commended prizes would also be awarded.

The show opens on April 1 and runs until April 5.

Entries close on March 19.

For details phone Graeme Clarke on 0409 164 600.