LOCAL artists featured at the 45th Mansfield Hospital Auxiliary Art Show held over the weekend with six of the eight major winners awarded to local artists.

Wendy Jagger was awarded the Harry & Clare Friday Foundation first prize, while Melbourne artist Cherry Manders took out the $2000 Rotary Acquisition prize for her work on the King Parrott Creek scene.

Highly Commended awards went to Judy Ciancio, Do Noble, John Barry, Julie Guppy, Maria Egerton and Wendy Webster.

Welcoming everyone to the opening night of the art show Auxiliary president, Val Doyle, announced this was not only the 45th art show held by the group but it was also celebrating this year the centenary of its establishment.

A near record number of artworks were presented for exhibition with almost 197 on display.

Art show judge this year was Shanley Cleeland who praised the quality of the works contributed by all artists and commented on the variety of mixed media used to create them.

Friday Foundation's, Ewan Friday, presented Wendy Jagger with her prize while Rotary president, Bob Prosser announced the first prize going to Cherry Manders of Melbourne; unfortunately she was not there on the night to collect her award.

A follow up story on more winners - the People's Choice and Packing Room awards - will be appear in next week's Courier as these prizes were not announced after deadline for this week.