The breadth of Radford College's big art show is evident in the exhibits and the people who come to see it.
In a preview on Friday morning, everyone from residents of a nearby nursing home to preschoolers wandered through the school hall, perusing the more than 400 artworks from almost 140 artists.
The 42nd art show, now known as Artshow@Radford, opened on Friday night with a sold-out gala.
The exhibition is open to the public for free on Saturday and Sunday, with most of the artworks for sale.
There is everything from paintings to sculptures to digital prints to photography.
Kacy Grainger, founder of Grainger Gallery, was the guest judge for the second consecutive year.
"It is such a beautiful, diverse collection of artwork," she said.
"You cannot imagine how hard it is to choose a winner from such an amazing array of mediums, and all the different palettes that people have painted and displayed.
"It's just the most difficult job in the world to judge an art prize."
The art show's winners were announced at the gala opening night.
First place went to Canberra artist and Radford College art teacher Dimity Kidston for her tapestry weaving.
Wollongong cermacist Matilda Langworthy won second place for her work Spotted Gum & Jellyfish.
Canberra painter Natalia Wade took out third place for Beachside Milkyway.
This year's first prize of $2000 was sponsored by the Radford Collegians and is named in honour of Jonquil Mackey, a much-loved media and photography teacher at Radford College who died in 2018.
Student artwork is on display, with some selected for judging.
"Students are always mind-blowing," Ms Grainger said.
"Because they hang all the ages together, when you first kind of peruse the wall, you can't really tell who's who. Sometimes you'll see work from year two and it looks like it could be year 10. It's amazing."
Visitors to the art show will be able to vote for the People's Choice award, to be announced just before the show closes on Sunday.
Radford College principal Christopher Bradbury said Artshow@Radford was a highlight for the school and the wider community.
"We certainly celebrate the fact we give our students the opportunity to engage in the creativity and the work of art with esteemed and highly accomplished artists," he said.
Radford College Parents and Friends Association president Sarah Clough said the longevity of the show proved it had a solid reputation among artists.
"And the community does come. It's very much a community event," she said.
*Artshow@Radford is at Radford College on Saturday (10am to 4pm) and Sunday (10am to 12 noon).
