The exhibition 'Perceptions' will be hosted by Soul Food Design Depot and Gallery from March 1 until March 31, with ticket sales and a percentage of all artworks sold to be donated directly to the NeuRa foundation, which works to improve outcomes for people diagnosed with many neurological conditions. 

Event organiser Nerrida Barber said the exhibition is important to help raise vital funds and awareness of the research carried out by NeuRa, which affects so many Australians. 

"The number one issue facing medial research today is funding," Ms Barber said. 

"Every year, one in five Australians is struck down with a major brain, or mind disorder."

"NeuRA conducts brave and innovative research into identifying the causes of diseases and disorders of the brain and nervous system, in order to then develop better diagnostic methods, improve treatments, to prevent the illnesses, and their vision is to then find a cure."

Ms Barber said the foundation also research injuries to the nervous system such as brain and spinal chord injuries hoping to find improved treatments. 

"I understand, the human, the social and the financial cost to individuals, families and communities that go hand in hand with living with mental illness and neurological diseases," Ms Barber said. 

However the exhibition not only raises funds and awareness for the foundation, but provides an opportunity to highlight the importance of local art. 

"It's an opportunity to give some of the local artists a chance to showcase some of their work," Ms Barber said. 

"Each of the artists have studied fine arts at Dubbo TAFE, so this exhibition also underlines the value of keeping art in the TAFE curriculum, in the schools and all educational institutions." 

The artists whose work will be on display include Natasha Walker, Sacha Whitehead, Meredith Stendall, Sally Falkner, Joy Kirkby, Nicola McCutcheon and Ms Barber. 

Ms Barber said she hoped the event will help "lift the spirits of the town" and provide locals with the chance to view and potentially purchase paintings, drawings and sculptures.

The opening night of the exhibition will be Friday, March 1 from 6pm until 8pm at Soul Food with live sublime music provided by Frances Evans a fifth generation violinist from Collie and young guitarist from Warren, Lachlan Hunt. 

"The exhibition also showcases the wonderful venue the Soul Food Depot," Ms Barber said. 

"How lucky are we to have access to such an amazing and versatile venue."

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the door.