The young artists have created artworks as part of Operation Art, a program that encourages students in kindergarten to year 10 to create artwork for sick children. Operation Art was started at The Children's Hospital at Westmead nearly 20 years ago.

More than 700 entries are entered into the competition each year, with 50 chosen for a final exhibition.

Their framed artworks have been touring the country for the past two years, including an appearance at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, and now have a permanent home on the walls of Wollongong Hospital.

Operation Art committee member Chris Avent said young patients could better relate to artworks created by other children and teenagers.

"Often when we put in adult artwork it doesn't have that same appeal to children."

She said parents and carers also appreciated the artworks.

"A lot of parents say it helped them all those times they sat there staring at walls because it gave them something cheerful to focus on."

Zachary Fanke, 12, said he hoped his drawing of a rhinoceros cheered sick children up, even though it had quite an angry face.