To be portrayed in the Bald Archy Prize is both an honour and a worry.

The subject matter ranges from politicians, celebrities, actors, artists and academics.

The prize began 24 years ago as part of the Coolac Festival of Fun and has grown to be considered as the “embarrassing country cousin” of some of the countries more prestigious exhibitions.

The name is a play on the serious and renowned Archibald Prize and it satires similar exhibitions.

The vulgarity, larrikin humour and tongue-in-cheek opinions has caused controversy and public appeal for the exhibition.

“We couldn’t possibly have those nasty, vulgar paintings in our lovely gallery,” Bald Archy Prize founder Peter Batey OAM said.

“We have been challenged by this problem for 24 years.

“Quite obviously the wowsers, religious maniacs and prudes are an unmovable force but it is the arts snobs who are depriving thousands of people through their censorship of access to this very Australian event.

“It’s a slow process, chipping away at this stupid prejudice.”

The Bald Archy is judged by Maude the sulphur-crested cockatoo and the exhibition tours for nine months of the year.

It prompts discussion and draws some of the country’s finest comic and satire artists.

This year features Very Nice Mr Thump – Do Have Another Tic Tac by Ed McMahon, Pocket Rocket by James Brennan, Make Australia Great Again by Guy Exton, Queen of Smarts by Judy Nadin, Premier Heir Spray by Murray Grelis and Under Scrutiny by Julia Davis, accompanied by the poem below.

Sam can’t find his wallet

So he’s giving the Chinese 

All the dockets.

Sussan’s learning tricks from Bron.

All these expenses appear a Con.

Bob and Ron have found themselves broke

Now in the High Court – 

Seems a bit of a joke.

Devoid of judgement are many more a pollie;

There’s probably no end

To the scale of the folly.

Bankruptcy, donations and rorting,

Snouts in the trough

And they are snorting.

Gundagai

March 22 to April 16

Old Gundagai Gaol from 10am to 4pm 

Deniliquin

April 21 to May 14

Peppin Heritage Centre from 10am to 4pm 

Temora

November 17 to December 10

Bundawarrah Centre Rural Museum from 10am to 4pm