Mr Heng is an internationally-acclaimed painter with decades of experience.

Since 1973, Mr Heng has held 33 solo exhibitions in Australia, Scotland and Italy and has participated in over 70 group exhibitions in Australia and internationally.

Conducted by St Patrick's College and sponsored by NAB, the Flanagan Art Prize will take place in August.

Now in its eighth year, the exhibition has built a reputation as one of the premier art events on the Ballarat calendar.

The exhibition draws entries from professional artists across Australia all aiming to claim their share of $7000 in prize money.

This year, 81 professional artists from across Australia have been selected to exhibit at the St Patrick’s College Old Collegians Association Pavilion as part of the prize

St Patrick’s College Headmaster Mr John Crowley said the Flanagan aimed to expose students to high-quality art while showcasing some of the country's best work.

“The Flanagan Art Exhibition is one of the most important events the College organises on an annual basis,” Mr Crowley said.

“Each year St Patrick’s College, through this exhibition, aims to provide a high quality and prestigious art award in Ballarat that reflects our commitment to excellence in the arts.

“It exposes our students to some of the best artwork from artists around the country and enables the College to help contribute to Ballarat’s ever-growing reputation as an art-friendly city.”

Born in Scotland, Euan Heng gained undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and RMIT University.

His work is represented in public and university museum collections in all states of Australia and Scotland including the National Gallery of Australia, National Gallery of Victoria, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Queensland Art Gallery and the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery, Glasgow.

Illustrated essays, articles and reviews on his work have been published in all major Australian newspapers and fine art journals.

Mr Crowley said organisers were delighted to have someone as highly acclaimed as Mr Heng judge this year's prize.

In 2015, the winner of the Flanagan Art Prize receives a $5000 cheque, courtesy of the National Australia Bank.

The winner of the Federation University Emerging Artist Prize will receive $1500 while the artist who produces the Best Affordable Artwork (Under $500) will receive a $500 prize courtesy of Lifestyle Travel Ballarat.

The Flanagan Art Prize will be launched on Friday, August 21 with winners announced at a gala function the same night.

Tickets to attend the gala opening night are available for sale at the St Patrick’s College website or by calling Rachel Bryant on 5322 4386 or emailing rbryant@stpats.vic.edu.au