Entries close on Friday, December 1, with some great cash prizes on offer for a selection of categories including $200 for under 12s, $300 for under 18s, $500 for adults, $500 for people’s choice and a grand jury prize of $1,000.

The Moree Portrait Prize will be judged by Arts North West executive director Caroline Downer.

Ms Downer has more than 20 years’ experience in the gallery sector, in curatorial and public programs as the previous director of the New England Regional Art Museum in Armidale.  

She has extensive experience in project and event management and is interested in a broad range of the arts from music, to visual arts and film.

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Ms Downer said she’s keen to support local artists as the judge for the Moree Portrait Prize.

“I’m delighted to come and assist,” she said.

Ms Downer said she isn’t looking for anything in particular of winning portraits.

“It’s really about what’s there on the day,” she said.

“Sometimes there’ll be work that stands out for a variety of reasons; sometimes a work will have great technical skills but sometimes a portrait will capture a particular moment in time.

“That’s half the fun of judging. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s going to come out.”

The exhibition will open on Friday, December 8 and run until Friday, December 22.

Contact Gallery staff for more information and for an entry form on (02) 6757 3320 or email moreeplainsgallery@bigpond.com.