The gallery's latest exhibition will run over summer and celebrates the city's history in it's theme 'Warrnambool Past, Present and Future'.

The exhibition features over 50 works from talented south-west artists depicting individual recollections of Warrnambool.

At the exhibition launch guest judge Glenys Philpot awarded prizes for her personal favourites; first place was awarded to Georgina Finnigan, second to Shari Nye and third to Ricky Schembri.

"There were many and varied styles of genres, it was all very interesting," Ms Philpot said.

"It was interesting to see the way people looked at Warrnambool. Some people looked at infrastructure while others looked at activities and things happening in the city.

"I was told that I had to pick my favourite ones and that was very difficult. There were lots of images of the ocean.That's close to every Warrnamboolians' heart.

"I did chose one that had the image of the promenade because I think that's something, particularly during COVID, that's been a valuable outlet from a physical and mental health perspective.

"I chose a painting of the Union Bank as I thought that was a good connection to past. And for the future I chose a close up painting of a baby bird in the nest emerging from the shell and I thought that represented new life quite well and where things can go for us next."

The Merri View Gallery is open on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4pm and will open every day for two weeks from January 9-24.

READ MORE: The Standard's 'What's On Guide' is back! Let us know about your gig, exhibition or market

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly podcast The Booletin and Beyond:

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.