A cheeky painting has been moved to a “less prominent” position at the Glen Innes Art Gallery after police responded to complaints from the public.

Glen Innes police were called to the gallery after a complaint was registered against a nude self portrait that featured at the recent ‘teapot’ exhibition.

Local artist Dennis McIntyre answered the call from the New England art community and entered the painting in the exhibit where it was placed in a prominent position in the gallery.

“The painting was never meant to offend, it is just a bit of fun and most people have enjoyed it for what it is and I am very proud of the work,” he said.

Glen Innes police Sergeant Mark Johnston confirmed police responded to the complaint from a member of the public. 

“When we have arrived the decision was made to ask for the painting to be moved to a less prominent position at the gallery and the curator of the exhibit complied with that request,” he said.

Glen Innes art gallery committee spokesperson Denis Haselwood said the complaint was ridiculous.

“The person making the complaint said they were concerned about children seeing the painting,” he said.

“Well, in all of my years of working at that gallery I have never seen a small child even stick his head through the door.”

Art gallery volunteer Beryl Ramsay said a group of 60 to 80-year-old ladies came through recently and loved the painting. 

“Their only complaint was that they couldn't lift the teapot to see what was behind  it,” she said.

The Glen Innes Art Gallery might be worth the trip to see the contentious painting.

The gallery is located at 71 Grey Street and the exhibition is on display until September 2.

For more information, find them on www.gleninnesartgallery.com/ or phone 6730 2610