Mr Lake, with his entered art piece ‘Moonrise-Hobby’s Yards’ captured Anthony Cahill, the special guest and judge of the event.

Mr Cahill described the painting as “a beautifully evocative work”.

“I would like to congratulate the artists exhibiting in this year’s Mungindi Art Prize for making the awarding for prizes such a pleasurable task, although because there were many works deserving of prizes it was also a difficult one,” he said.

Local artist, James Kearns was honoured with the painting award and the people’s choice award for his artwork ‘Major’.

Mr Cahill said the artwork instantly put a smile on his face.

“James has used vigorous and yet a sensitive brush in this work,” he said.

Second place in the painting section was awarded to Lola Binge with her work ‘Cotton Rows’.

The next prize awarded was for works on paper with Michelle Retschlag of Maleny taking out first place with ‘Diamantina Memory’.

“Michelle’s work is another that very successfully walks the line between representative landscape painting and the abstract , this is a painting that brought back many times,” Mr Cahill said.

Second place was awarded to Scott Bridle of Glenmorgan in QLD for his artwork “Tidal Salt Arms’.

Nancy Hunt of Narrabri was awarded the sculpture prize.

“This was another piece in this exhibition that surprised and delighted me. Something of an enigma this sculpture the title allows one to muse deeply as to its possible meaning,” he said.

An encouragement award was presented to Rosemary Carson of Saint George for her work ‘Rainbow Charlie’.

The John F Kirkpatrick Award, given each year to a local artist, was presented to Belinda Perkins of Dirranbandi for her artwork ‘Wether Weaners’.

The last award on the night called the ‘I don’t know anything about art but I like it award’ was presented to a Mungindi butcher.

Gary Trindall also known as Red took out the prize with his sculpture ‘Tick Tock’.

Mr Cahill described the sculpture as “whimsical work that doesn’t take it’s self too seriously”.

Mungindi Art Show Committee member, Jenni Seigmeier, said the night was a success and the committee were honoured to have Mr Cahill as a special guest.

“Anthony has been exhibiting in solo and group exhibitions professionally since 1982, including exhibitions in public and regional art galleries,” she said.

Mr Cahill is known for working in his studios in Blackheath and Marrickville as well as teaching drawing at the National Art School in Sydney.