Principal Andrew Brown said the exhibition, held in conjunction with the Maitland Regional Society of Artists, drew large crowds during the weekend.

“It was a huge success,” he said.

“On Saturday we had thousands come through.”

The numbers were boosted by the school’s fete on Saturday and a total of $23,000 was raised.

The money will help pay for the school’s new multi-purpose netball and hand ball court.

At a cost of $90,000, the court is scheduled for completion in time for term two.

The court’s base has been poured and the extra cash boost will help with the finishing touches, including line marking and landscaping.

“We are going to have an official opening with a teachers versus students netball game,” Mr Brown said.

About 60 per cent of the students’ artworks were sold on the weekend and more than 30 professional pieces were bought from the Maitland Regional Society of Artists’ collection.

The exhibition has become an annual event.