Fourteen youngsters - comprising four age categories: 5-8, 9-12, 13-15 and 16-18 - have made the cut, with the winners of each section being announced at the opening night of the tour's arrival at the Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre on Saturday, January 25, from 6pm.

It was a big effort by the judges - Muswellbrook Shire mayor Martin Rush, ANZ Muswellbrook branch manager Kerrie Balmer-Smith, Muswellbrook Shire Council's Carolyn O'Brien and the gallery's acting arts centre director Elissa Emerson - to finalise the contenders.

"Submissions for the Young Archies came from all over the Upper Hunter," Ms Emerson said.

"And, there were some fantastic entries.

"Thank you to the Trustees (for the Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre) for the selection of works.

"The Muswellbrook Young Archie competition is supported by Archibald Prize 2019 Regional Tour presenting partner ANZ.

"The Archibald Prize is awarded annually to the best portrait of a man or woman distinguished in art, letters, science or politics, painted by any artist resident in Australasia.

"Portraits must have been painted in the previous year from at least one 'live' sitting with the artist.

"So, it's great to have it in town."

The Archibald Prize 2019 Regional Tour will be on display from Saturday, January 26, to Sunday, March 8.

Abi Large, 'Jesus'

Hannah Tranate, 'My Mum'

Jake Astill, 'untitled'

Luke Baker, 'Mrs Wisemantel'

Amina Shahid, 'Dad'

Madison Kociszewski, 'untitled'

Jonathon Davies, 'Nanna'

Chelsea Irwin, 'My Teacher'

Thalia Corliss, 'Mrs Norbury'

Eleanor Wyndham, 'Maggie'

Jasmine Bellotti, 'Miss Waas'

Porscha Jimmieson, 'Self Portrait of Me as a Fish'

Gabby Stevens, 'Guide Sophia'

Lachlan Cox, 'Grandfather'