Created by emerging and well-established artists, the sculptures will adorn the Queanbeyan River for three days as part of the Queanbeyan River Festival.

Some sculptures will be perched along the foreshore while others will be dotted and partially submerged in the actual river.

This will not affect the raft races being held for the Festival.

Installation will begin next Thursday, with the sculptures officially open for viewing from Friday, October 10 - 12.

Queanbeyan City Council cultural development officer Georgina Perri is pleased with the number of submissions and enthusiastic response to the newly-established art prize.

"We're very excited by the response, the community has been very supportive of the idea for a long time... in future, we hope to hold it as a standalone event; it will be another highlight of our cultural calendar," she said.

"The River is such a beautiful asset and this will really help highlight it."

The sculptures are being made from an assortment of materials including glass, steel, wood and recycled items like old car tyres.

The pieces will be judged by councillor Judith Burfoot, local art critic Helen Musa and sculptor Philip Spelman.

The major prize is $3000 and the upcycle award (only sculptures made of 100 per cent reuse and recycled materials will be eligible) of $1000.

Winners will be announced at the official launch of the River Festival on Saturday at noon. All pieces will be up for sale and selected artists will be present during the exhibition to meet with community members and discuss their work.

The Clearwater Sculpture Prize will be displayed along the Queanbeyan River from Friday, October 10 - 12. It is part of the Queanbeyan River Festival to be held on Saturday, October 11.