Western Bay of Plenty residents are invited to come and view the entries to this year's New Zealand Mural Contest in person at the Carlton Gallery from July 18-31.

With the pandemic forcing the mural contest to run differently this year – artists had to paint their works of art in isolation as opposed to in front of the public around Katikati's township – this is the first time the murals can be seen up-close.

Nine artists throughout New Zealand and Australia competed in the 2022 NZ Mural Contest from their home studios back in April – now the completed portraits will be on display to view, enjoy and vote for.

Each competing artist painted the portrait of a local person who was nominated as a local ‘Unsung Hero of 2020' – who helped the community in some way during the 2020 lockdown – and can be viewed at the Carlton Gallery, in The Arts Junction, 36 Main Rd, Katikati.

The community is invited to vote for their favourite portrait painting with a gold coin for the ‘People's Choice Award'. Voting is from July 18-31.

The 2022 NZ Mural contest prize-giving is on July 30 at 4pmat The Arts Junction, Katikati, where the winners of the June Carlton Memorial Trophy, the Spirit of Katikati award and the People's Choice Award along with $12,000 in prize money will be awarded. Limited complimentary tickets are available for the community to attend, from The Arts Junction or phone 07 549 1658.