The ''vibrancy and variety'' of entries for an art competition judged in Dunedin last night has impressed the host president.
Otago Art Society president Jenny Longstaff said the Edinburgh Realty Premier Art Awards attracted more than 220 entries from across the South Island.
''The overall impression is one of vibrancy and variety, with known artists alongside newcomers, and is possibly the highest standard the awards event has attracted,'' Ms Longstaff said.
The annual awards were in their ninth year, she said.
The awards were won by Canterbury artist Michael Springer for his acrylic on board work Foreign Bodies.
The awards were hosted by the society and judged by Barry Cleavin and the winners were announced at Dunedin Railway Station last night.
The exhibition, in the society's galleries on the station's first floor, is open to the public from today to August 30.
The winners are. -Michael Springer, Canterbury, Foreign Bodies, 1; Robert Ireland, of Waimate, Storm Clouds, 2; Inge Doesburg, of Dunedin, Clutha 3.
Merit awards: Ro Bradshaw, of Arrowtown, Dusk; Kiri Mitchell, of Dunedin, Virginia Meets the Woolf.
Sponsors award: Marie Reid, of Mosgiel, Otago Peninsula.
