Wayne Edgerton, a professional landscape artist from the Southland settlement of Tuatapere, told a large audience that the art on display was outstanding and proof of the immense talent in this part of the world.
The TrustPower awards attracted 70 entries from 42 artists.
The company's community relations manager, Graeme Purches, who has been attending the awards for several years, said the quality seemed to get better each year.
The range and quality of art was of an outstanding nature, he said.
Taieri Mouth artist Tony Green won first prize, of $750, with his acrylic piece, Pastoral Scene.
Full results. -TrustPower awards (open to all artists in Otago). - First prize, Tony Green (Taieri Mouth), Pastoral Scene; second prize, Marie Reid (Mosgiel), Moonlit Echeveria; third prize, Marie Holden (Clinton) Rhododendron Janet Blair; merit awards, Doreen Spittlehouse (Balclutha) Catlins Lake, Debbie Race (Balclutha) Rough Weather.
ODT "Capturing Otago". - Alison Gray (Balclutha) Twilight Otago Harbour.
Steve Cleverley Autos "Art2Die4 section". - Sue McPhee (Balclutha) Artifacts.
The Edna Peterson award, to be decided by public vote, will be awarded to the most popular work by an Art South Otago member.
The exhibition will be open at the Creative Arts Centre in Balclutha until Monday, December 8, from 10am to 5pm daily.
