The evening will kick off at 6pm at the Art Shed, with works of Boggabri and Gunnedah residents to go on show.

The works will display the talents of photographer David Chappel, Boggabri Men’s Shed, and artists Tammey McAllan, Jade Punch, Lorraine Maddigan and Tamar Greatrix. The dress theme is floral.

Just a few doors away from the Art Shed, Hassab’s Fashions will open late to give shoppers the chance to pop in and browse, while the Commercial Hotel will provide happy hour cocktails.

Ms McAllan said she hoped the event would “bring people to the town and give them something a bit different”.

“The art shed is a community space. We want people that might not put their artwork out to have the opportunity to do that,” she said.

Ms McAllan said she was given that same chance by Gunnedah Shire Council’s Lauren Mackley who encouraged her to hold her first exhibition in Gunnedah in September.

“I guess that’s where Lauren was such a big help for me,” she said.

“Without her doing that, I probably wouldn't have pushed myself.”

A month after her exhibition, Ms McAllan helped launch the Art Shed, which resulted from a partnership between the owner of Boggabri Hardware and Rural Supplies, Jo Bell, Ms McAllan and the Men’s Shed. 

Since the Art Shed was established, Ms McAllan has been painting regularly and is now focusing on once again working creating pieces for Friday’s exhibition.

“It’s sort of pushing the boundaries of what might have been viewed in the past,” she said.

“I can see I’ve grown in my artwork too… [It’s] being comfortable with my difference. I guess I always used to doubt myself and paint what I used to think people would like but now I’m painting exactly how I’m feeling and I never had the confidence before.

“I’m really excited to show people how far I’ve come too.”

There will be a gold coin donation box at the exhibition to give people the chance to give towards treatment costs for Jo Bell who was recently diagnosed with Lyme’s Disease.

“Without her, we wouldn’t have the Art Shed,” Ms McAllan said.

To give towards the cause online, visit https://www.gofundme.com/our-giver-needs-your-help