Local resident, Judy Rogers, was the big winner in the open category, taking home prize money of $5,000 for her untitled piece, which was described by judges as being of an exceptional standard.

Wanneroo Mayor, Jon Kelly, presented $11,000 worth of awards with a further $1,000 to go to the winner of the People’s Choice Award, making it the richest Art Awards the City of Wanneroo have ever put on.

Mayor Kelly said this year’s was also the biggest ever Art Awards the City had hosted, with 280 entries.

“Entrants came from right around WA, but almost half were local residents which is great to see,” Mayor Kelly said. “There really is some spectacular artwork that has been entered this year, it seems to get bigger and better every year.”

This year, the City of Wanneroo introduced the Youth Encouragement Awards for artists aged 12 to 21, making them part of the main Art Awards.

The City of Wanneroo Art Awards Exhibition will be displayed at the exhibition gallery at the Wanneroo Library and Cultural Centre until Sunday 7 March.

One of the three youth awards was presented to Two Rocks youth, Mitchell Tink, for his sculpture "Amazing Emu." He received a $500 prize.