Entries for the event are now open, with artists from Leeton encouraged to enter and start thinking now about what work they would like to put up for judging.

The competition will culminate in a prize ceremony and 10-day exhibition at the Leeton Museum and Art Gallery at Easter next year.

This year's feature acquisitive prize theme is "Agriculture, from the Ground Up", designed to complement the region's farming industry.

"Due to the cancellation of this year's event and competition, the theme has been continued into the 2021 event, which we're expecting to see these and many more artworks enter this prize section," Leeton Art Society president Jacqui Herrmann said.

Other categories include still life, abstract, fauna, flora/botanical, landscapes and portraits.

Two new categories have been included in the program.

The first, Indigenous art, is intended to encourage local artists with an indigenous background to participate and share their artistic talents, as did local artist and influential arts enthusiast, Penny Paniz, in whose memory this annual art event is named.

Digital art is also included as a new category due to a request from artists to develop and display their artistic skills using technology, without the limitations of any particular medium.

A youth category encourages budding young artists in Leeton to experience exhibiting artworks they have created during the year, including the HSC and year 12 students.

"Through a proactive approach to supporting art and cultural activities in our community, the Leeton Shire Council initiated this annual competition nine years ago and provided the acquisitive prize in honour of Penny Paniz's contribution to the arts," Mrs Herrmann said.

"(This also) further recognises and encourages the home-grown abilities of our many talented local Leeton artists."

Entries close March 1, with entry forms available at the Leeton Visitors Centre, Sam's Tiles and Light Centre, the museum and gallery or at www.lasi.com.au.

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