NEWBURYPORT - It's a problem the Newburyport Art Association is willing to have.

In the 10 years since the group has hosted its Regional Juried Art Show, organizers have watched the annual exhibit grow into one of the most anticipated and competitive North of Boston.

This year's show, which opens today, reached new levels. On submission day, artists were waiting to drop off work even before the art association opened.

"People were lined up down the street waiting to come in," said Carol Reynolds, the art association's gallery owner.

By the end of the day, a record field of 508 works were submitted by 307 artists from throughout the region as well as Greater Boston and beyond. The turnout topped last year's total number of entries by almost 150.

Reynolds said the show has always been popular because, unlike most art association exhibits that are reserved for its members, this one is open to all artists working in any media. But she also believes the art association has built a name for itself, bolstering interest even more.

"I think we have developed a reputation in the art community, and more and more people are hitting our Web site, so when we have an open show, there's a lot more interest in wanting to be part of it," she said.

Having Katherine French as this year's judge created even more of a draw, Reynolds said. The director of the Danforth Museum of Art in Framingham, French was recently honored by the New England chapter of the International Art Critics for curatorial excellence.

"She has a following, too" Reynolds said. "People recognize her name."

After reviewing all of the entries, it was a cibachrome print by a Somerville photographer that ultimately made the greatest impression on French. The photographer awarded Paul Weiner the $500 Best of Show prize for his piece titled "Klean."

"A wonderfully realized concept, this work expresses an experience in a magically real way," French said of Weiner's print in her written comments. "It's one of the best photographs I've seen recently."

Overall, French was impressed by the wealth of talent in the field. Because of space constraints, of the 508 pieces submitted, the art association accepted 152 works representing a variety of media and subjects to display in the show.

"What is remarkable is the sense of narrative that runs through so many of the works, as well as the direct response to place," French wrote. "Whether a landscape, or an invented scene, these works speak to our experience. They describe what makes us aware of our surroundings and helps make sense of the world."

The show runs through Sunday, June 17. The art association has invited the jurors who have judged the shows for the past 10 years to attend tomorrow night's reception and awards ceremony.

"This is a really strong show," Reynolds said.

Award winners

* Paul Weiner of Somerville, Mary Alice Arakelian Award for Best in Show ($500) for "Klean," a cibachrome print.

* Lully Schwartz of Amesbury, Institution for Savings Charitable Foundation Award for Oil ($175) for "American Farmland II," an oil painting.

* Lois Gerrish of Salisbury, Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank Award for Acrylics ($175) for "Salisbury State Park," an acrylic work.

* Janice Reynolds of Haverhill, Newburyport Area Industrial Development Foundation Award for Pastel ($175) for "Coral Bay," a pastel work.

* Beverly A. Mitchell of West Newbury, Philip J. Stern Memorial Award for Watercolor ($175) for "Bugs in My Garden," a watercolor painting.

* Elizabeth Kellogg of Beverly, Sam Sargent Award for Mixed Media ($175) for "No Fear," a mixed-media piece.

* M. Coon of Kingston, N.H., Laura Coombs Hills Award for Sculpture ($175) for "Caribbean Sam," a terra cotta work.

* Jeanine Sobell Pastore of Lexington, Mildred Hartson Award for Drawing ($175) for "Isabel Practicing Piano No. 2," a charcoal drawing.

* Linda Germain of Haverhill, Mildred Hartson Award for Printmaking ($175) for "Launch Pad," a monoprint with collage and relief.

* Adam De Tour of Newton, N.H., General Excellence Award for Photography ($175) for "Blood & Tears," a photograph.

* Peggy Luderer of West Newbury, Charlie Bechler Memorial Award for Excellence ($50) for "Umbrellas by Pike Place Market," a photograph.

* Margette Leanna of Newburyport, Honorable Mention ($25) for "Side Yard Trees," an acrylic work.

* Douglas Johnson of Newburyport, Honorable Mention ($25) for "The Mall in the Fall," a seed bead weaving.

* Derrick Doodnauth of Salisbury, Honorable Mention ($25) for "Chilling Out at Plum Island," a 35-millimeter film.

* Trisha Barry of Gardner, Honorable Mention ($25) for "Fisherman/Newport, R.I.," photography.

If you go

* What: Newburyport Art Association 10th annual Regional Juried Show

* When: Today through Sunday, June 17. Artists' reception and awards ceremony tomorrow from 7 to 9 p.m.

* Where: Newburyport Art Association, 65 Water St., Newburyport

* How: Free admission. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Call 978-465-8769 or visit www.newburyportart.org for more.