Artworks could be created in any medium for the exhibition, they could be 2D or 3D, the only requirement was they must be the same size as an A6 piece of paper – the same as a postcard. 

The exhibition was opened at Spiral Gallery in Bega on Friday, June 22.

“It was a riot,” curator Rachel Annabel said. 

“Even though the numbers were down I think the quality is better this year and hopefully it’s the beginning of a long tradition.” 

She said the theme of Australiana had gone down very well with some magnificent interpretations of the topic and at the opening judge Andy Doyle had been an “entertaining and knowledgeable host”.

The first prize in the general adult section was Anneke Paijmans for her work The Firies, which was acquired by the Bega Valley Regional Gallery where it will become part of the gallery’s collection.

The money raised from selling the artwork will be donated to the Tanja Fire Brigade. 

She won 200 prints of her postcards from Carbon Copy, Pambula and $50 worth of framing from Frill Neck Frames.

Second prize for adults was Karyn Thomson with Scribbly Gum Canopy, winning 50 prints of her postcard as well as $50 worth of framing. 

First prize in the youth general section was Sara Anderson with Hang Me Out To Dry, winning a $50 book token sponsored by Bega Rotary. 

Second prize in this section was Hannah Boyle who won a $30 book token.

First prize in the junior general section was Morgan Whitbread with Gone Bush, winning Koi brush markers and marker pad from Stephen Clarke Accountants.

Second prize went to Phebe Marley with Saturday Morning, winning art supplies sponsored by Mormors Cafe, Merimbula. 

In the iconic Australiana section, sponsored by Valleyart, Bega, Roz Bannon won the adult category with Blinman, Ebony Ryan Miners won the youth category with Us and Kalani Rizzotto won the junior category with Ularu. 

The artists who received a highly commended included Tanya Bourke, Rae Kennedy, Sam Bailey, Pip Marshman, Judith Thomson, Bubula Lardi, Tim Pressey, Vivienne Bowe, Krystal Cutajar, Jeffrey Young, Melissa Gabelle, Miriam Kydd, Rafeal Rizzotto, Luana Rizzotto, Tarquin Rijnberg, Mali Everett, Lainey Ryan, Lewis Dillon, Imogen Bichard, Ebony Ryan Miners, Majella Bailey, Ray Hamilton, Nadia Geoghegan, Veronica O’Leary, Leonie Barrett, Zoe Shabel and Yemara Oates. 

The exhibition will run to July 18 and is at Spiral Gallery in Bega.