THE Meroogal Women's Arts Prize exhibition opens this Sunday at Sturt Gallery, and visitors are in for a treat.

The biennial touring exhibition from the Historic Houses Trust has been at Sturt twice before, and head of Sturt, Mark Viner, said he is glad to see it return.

"It's great that Sturt can host such great touring exhibitions; they are much bigger than our regular exhibitions," Mr Viner said.

Work by women artists throughout the Illawarra is inspired by the historic Nowra home Meroogal.

The Meroogal Women's Arts Prize for 2011 asked entrants to respond to the theme Made by Hand through visual arts, crafts and design.

Meroogal Curator Barbara Konkolowicz said the theme came about while talking about history and what might be a new focus.

"In 1886 when women first moved into the house they mended, embroidered, recycled and looked after their things and cooked and gardened. So the focus was on the pleasure of making something with your hands with a sense of sustainability that is ecologically good," Ms Konkolowicz said.

She said it was exciting to see the different interpretations of the theme through a wide variety of media.

There are paintings, textiles, ceramics, prints and even recycled telephone wire used in the pieces.

"It is great to see people engaging with the theme and pushing it; you can read the artist's statement and see the connection and understand their concept," Ms Konkolowicz said.

Pioneering Women by Kaye Johnston is one piece which won a highly commended and has rehabilitated Barbies with power tools.

"The works chosen (for the exhibition) highlight the theme and what the artist thought about the theme, they're very creative and the imagination strikes you."

"It is the only regional exhibition not only for women but that is so intimately connected to an historic property; as a result it produces highly imaginative and original work," Ms Konkolowicz said.

The exhibition showcases winning, commended and selected works from the 2011 competition and there are more than 40 pieces on display and for sale.

The exhibition is being opened by Councillor Juliet Arkwright, Wingecarribee Arts & Culture Board Chair, on Sunday, February 12, at 11am. It is a free event with refreshments served and everyone welcome.

The Meroogal Women's Arts Prize exhibition runs from February 12 to March 25 at Sturt Gallery, corner of Range Road and Waverly Parade in Mittagong.

Sturt Gallery is open seven days a week, 10am to 5pm.