Wellington Arts and Sculpture festival displays top notch works

While entry numbers were down compared to last year's the quality of work was higher than ever before, organisers said.

The two day event was held at Hermitage Hill, with sculpture artist Rob Bast the main attraction on Sunday.

Mr Bast also recently featured on Better Homes and Gardens.

Speaking to Australian Community Media on the Saturday, organiser Lisa Thomas from Wellington Arts said there was a steady stream of people flowing through the gates, including international visitors.

"It's been fantastic. It's a great roll up all day....," she said.

"We're absolutely thrilled with the quality of work. Whilst we're down in numbers unfortunately this year with exhibits in the open section but the quality is absolutely top notch."

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The festival started from humble beginnings and has grown into a well renowned event each year.

"The last three years have become much more structured here and really attracted the interest of a lot of sculptors and artists," Ms Thomas said.

"We're really building our recognition, people are recognising us as a place to come and view, purchase or showcase art."

The 2019 festival attracted artists from Dubbo, Mudgee and Orange.

"There's variety (in art) that comes from across the region and the best thing about that is it inspires other people," Ms Thomas said.

Thanks to events like the Arts and Sculpture Festival, Wellington is getting to be known as an art town and the Wellington Arts committee hope to keep that momentum going.

"It's a positive thing for our town, it's a creative thing and what is more encouraging is that people from outside want to be a part of this," Ms Thomas said.

"So it's good locally, but we're also attracting outside participants as well, it's not just limited to our town."

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Ms Thomas was hopeful the event attracted 1000 people through the gates over the Saturday and Sunday.

"The numbers have been growing every year. We keep a tally at the gate and also ask people where they're from," she explained.

"Last year we were just short of 900, so this year we'd like to think that we get 1000."

Another popular category in the festival was the Farmers Challenge attracting 15 entrants.

Ms Thomas said the idea of putting on the competition was to get people thinking outside the box.

"We know they're all sick and tired of the dust and dirt and watching their place blow away....," she said.