Earlier this year Fairfax Media reported Hunter artist Helen Hopcroft was going to dress as the infamously decadent queen, every day for the whole year from May 1.

"I'm usually a hoodie and trackies girl," Ms Hopcroft said.

"So this is a big change. I've never run a marathon, but I feel like this is what it must be like to stand at the starting line." 

Ms Hopcroft was visiting family in Tasmania when the calendar ticked over to May 1.

And while she didn’t fly down in costume, she said her first challenge would be airport security in a full-length gown.

Ms Hopcroft said the project was more than just a creative challenge.

"It's about pushing for a museum in Maitland," Ms Hopcroft said.

"I want to draw attention to Maitland as a cultural centre."

Follow Ms Hopcroft's journey on Facebook at My Year As A Fairtytale.