The opening of the exhibition attracted close to 70 people on Friday night with the artist behind the works there to speak on his treasured portraits.

“It went fantastic – I was so excited by it all,” Basil Gay said.

“The reception from Tenterfield just bowled me over – and the setting, well you couldn’t wish for more,” he said.

Basil said his works will remain in the buildings banquet hall for a further three weeks before it is picked up and taken elsewhere.

The pieces have been earmarked for a spot at Canberra’s National Gallery but first Basil said he would like to tour them around a little first.

He suggested he could look to take them to adjoining towns such as Stanthorpe or Glen Innes.

Event organiser Deborah Lions said she was thrilled with the gallery attendance but a little disappointed at the small attendance to the light horse display on Saturday.

“I think a lot of people were in amazement at the exhibition,” she said.

“It was all definitely worth the effort.”

The J F Thomas Light Horse Troop put on a display for around 50 people before Steinbrook Hall hosted and old time bush dance later in the evening.