Museum staff and gallery committee members have been toiling all week to prepare the exhibition for its grand opening at 7.30pm.
Canvases, ceramics, photography, jewellery, fabrics and sculptures by professional and amateur artists alike will be on display.
Brian Millard, of Arrowtown, Alan Waters, of Bannockburn, and Ben Ho, of Lake Hayes and Auckland are among the notable names who submitted works.
More than $4000 in prize money has been made available and spread across eight categories.
Guest artist Olav Nielsen, of Dunedin, will judge the Locations Realty Premium Art Award and present the $2000 cash prize.
The public will be able to vote for their favourite artwork in the People's Choice category, which runs during the 10-day festival.
Museum director David Clarke said about 250 entries were submitted every year.
The exhibition runs until May 17.
