THE Whitsundays will get arty this weekend for the Art Whitsunday 29th Annual Exhibition.

With the group's gallery having burnt down earlier in the year during the Whitsunday Shopping Centre fire, president Kerry Kenyon said the exhibition would be something special.

"The exhibition is especially important to us this year because it's going to be very important for morale in the group," she said.

The event looks ready to live up to expectations as well with a new addition in its 29th year.

"We've introduced a new section called the Whitsunday Regional Prize for Portraiture and Human Image," Ms Kenyon said.

"We hope that might be a growing central attraction, something a bit special."

Art lovers can also expect some great examples in the themed section this year, with the topic being Down Under.

"Usually you think of Australia but of course there are all sorts of ways to interpret it," Ms Kenyon said.

"We've got entries in from watercolour to stone wear, mixed media, photography - absolutely everything."

Friday night will see things kicking off in style with a gala launch from 6pm.

With finger food, your first drink free and a huge array of fine art on display, it's sure to be a brilliant night for all involved.

"We're expecting it to be a really lovely evening and we'll be finished in time for people to go off and watch the (Reef Festival) fireworks afterwards if they want to," Ms Kenyon said.

CREATIONS

What: Art Whitsunday Annual Exhibition

Where: Whitsunday Arts and Cultural Centre

When: Friday, August 5, 6pm-9pm, Saturday, August 6, 10am-5pm, and Sunday, August 7, 9am-3pm

Cost: $15 for Friday, $2 for Saturday and Sunday

Tickets: artwhitsunday.weebly.com or at the door