Wagga’s art community is abuzz after it was revealed the Archibald Prize would visit for six weeks from this Friday.

Running to January 15, the annual celebration of the nation’s finest portrait painters will be on display at the Wagga Art Gallery.

Awarded to the best portrait painting of the year, it’s a who’s who of Australian contemporary culture – from politicians to fashion designers, sporting heroes to artists.

This year, 830 entries were received from across Australia for the Archibald Prize 2016, with 51 finalists selected.

The winner was Barry, Melbourne artist Louise Hearman’s portrait of one of the nation’s most acclaimed and beloved entertainers, satirists and writers, Barry Humphries.

“I have admired Barry Humphries since I was a young girl,” Ms Hearman said.

“I tried many ideas, but as it progressed, the painting itself showed me the way.”