Vicki McGregor was named Inverell Art Prize grand champion for her eye-catching sculpture of 'Eve' by judge David Darcy at the opening on Saturday evening.
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The local artist was overwhelmed with emotion as the stunning mosaic received a huge applause when the result was announced.
More than 250 people flowed through the doors Inverell Art Gallery to view the huge variety of works entered for 2019.
Inverell Art Gallery manager Jo Williams said record crowd numbers had people lining up to the road before formal proceedings began.
"It was definitely the first time we've had that happen."
Archibald Prize People's Choice winner Mr Darcy, who was also this year's special guest, spent 4.5 hours viewing and judging the collection of almost 300 pieces prior to Saturday.
"The grand champion came down to a splitting hair decision." Mr Darcy described Vicki's sculpture like a beacon of hope once rain finally falls from the sky.
Vicki also took out second prize in the applied art section for her work titled 'Vase of Flowers'.
Narrabri's Graeme Compton won the open section with 'The Elephantini Marriage', followed by Inverell's Rhonda Ryan in second with 'Across New England'.
Peter Champion was named first in the local artist section with 'Fractured', Anne Hazelwood of Glen Innes took out second prize with 'Ye Old Tractor'.
More local success came from section five ceramics when Patricia Turner of Glen Innes won first prize for 'My Country I'. Debbie Doye, of Inverell, won second place with 'Seeds of Change'.
The 3D section first place winner was Robert Stokes with 'Trawler on Slipway', followed by Robert Day's 'A Hare' in second and high commended went to Stan Tonkin with 'Myrtle Jewel Box'- all three gentlemen hailing from Inverell.
Hans Mouthaan's stunning photography piece titled 'Lighthouse Strahan' won first prize in section seven. Valerie Turner won the Packer's Prize with her piece titled 'The Proposal'.
Mayor Paul Harmon hand-selected six council acquisition pieces for 2019 from the collection, and while questioned in previous years for his choices, the crowd were delighted on Saturday evening.
The exhibition and full list of winners will be on display at the gallery until November 9. Locals have the opportunity to vote for a People's Choice winner.
For more information call the Inverell Art Gallery on 6722 4983. or like 'Inverell Art' on Facebook.
