The collection of 40 original lithographs by 20 artists from New Zealand, Asia and Europe will be hosted in Gore on Saturday, September 12, from noon to 6pm.
Eastern Southland Gallery programmes officer Marcella Currie said the "children-only" Muka Youth Print Exhibition, featuring original contemporary art was exclusively for young people aged 5 to 18.
"This is a special opportunity for kids to purchase original lithographic prints by top New Zealand and international artists for a fraction of the normal price," Ms Currie said.
The exhibition had been touring the country annually for the past 23 years.
Eastern Southland Gallery curator Jim Geddes said the gallery had been hosting the exhibition for about 18 years and each year it was becoming more popular with young people.
Mr Geddes expected more than 100 young people would attend the exhibition this year, but he said not all of those would buy.
The works in this year's exhibition include those from John Reynolds, Gretchen Albrecht and Dick Frizzell.
Artist's signatures on the youth prints in the exhibition are covered to encourage young people to choose work based on their appreciation of the work rather than the artist's reputation or potential for financial gain.
No adults are allowed into the exhibition thus allowing children to select prints based on their own individual personality, interests and taste, co-founder and Muka director Magda Van Gils said.
Entry to the exhibition is free and there is no pressure to buy.
Ms Van Gils who had been involved in the project since 1986 said the method of exhibition allowed young people to develop a unique awareness of art that could not be taught.
"By entering the room without adults and with an opportunity to choose, young people really engage with the works of art," Ms Van Gils said.
Despite the economic downturn, popularity of the exhibition continued to rise with sales this year doubling in some areas.
The increase in popularity could be attributed to Muka's continued effort to ensure works were kept affordable at $60 each.
"It seems that in a world where consumer goods are ever more readily available, young people more and more are appreciating the value of original art work and the ideas they inspire," Ms Van Gils said.
"This special exhibition encourages children to form their own opinions and taste in art, based on their appreciation and experience of the works," Ms Currie said.
"Many children have been attending and purchasing works on an annual basis and, as a result, now have amazing art collections featuring some of New Zealand and Europe's most significant contemporary artists," she said.
