And the winner is…

The Tenterfield Art Prize exhibition ends this weekend with news that Queensland artist David Lewis has scored the Essential Energy People’s Choice Award.
Organisers of the show of art inspired by poetry, report that the Robina (Gold Coast) artist was voted the popular favourite by audiences attending the Brush with Verse exhibition at Forest to Furniture Gallery.
Two of Mr Lewis’ artworks polled strongly overall but his acrylic painting, Retired to the Back Paddock held the strongest lead.
His portrayal of an old T-model truck in a nostalgic light, clearly appealed to the country audience.
Learning of the $300 prize this week, Mr Lewis extended his thanks to voters.
“Of the awards that I have received, people’s choice always pleases me the most as I feel I have achieved my goal to transmit my emotions and feelings to the viewing public.”
Essential Energy representative Gary Pitkin happily gave the thumbs up to the selection.
Second most popular exhibit was Tenterfield’s Nola Sindel whose work Darwin Dreaming was awarded the $500 Minor Open Prize at the Shire Awards night.
A textile work by Fay Roselt from Applethorpe was the third favourite audience selection.
Essential Energy has been a major sponsor of the Tenterfield Art Prize, which completes its seventh year of showing on Saturday.