For the first time in 14 years a photograph has won the supreme award of $500.

More than 350 exhibits in five categories were displayed at ARTWaikino in the Victoria Hall on Friday night, and the judges all agreed the work was of a 'high standard and had a difficult job deciding on the winners and place getters”.

ARTWaikino supreme winner, Catherine Franzoi from Waihi Beach won the supreme award with her photograph 'On top of Swallow Ridge.”

Brother and sister Mike and Mischelle O'Donnell, both established artists, were the judges for the painting, craft and sculpture categories.

Director of PhotoForum, Geoff Short judged both photography sections and between them chose the supreme winner.

The results were: Supreme award sponsored by Newmont Waihi Gold was Catherine Franzoi from Waihi Beach with her photo, 'Swallow Ridge.”

Winner of the painting category sponsored by Visique Optometrists, was Claire du Bosky from Waerenga with 'Daves Shed”, second went to Waikino local, Colin Brodie with 'Rahui”, and third Paul Herbert of Waihi Beach with 'Maui Dolphins.”

Commended were Val Tubman, Wilma Van Veen and Sally Ann Davies.

The craft section was won by Moyra Turner of Paeroa with her colourful glass hanging, second was Wayne Roycroft with his totara rugby ball and third went to Dianne Dudfield for her intricately woven scarf. Rachel Johnstone of Waikino got a commended for her 'Take a Look” book.

Mike Palmer won the sculpture section, sponsored by The Falls Retreat, with his tall wooden sculpture, Pamela Plummer from Thames got second with 'Woman and Bird,” and Waikino local, Rod Hawkins got third for his 'Angel.”

The photography 'People” category went to Waikino photographer, Ian Purden with 'Home in the Mist”, second was Brian Hennessey of Waihi with 'Jump” and third went to Vincent Young from Auckland with 'Have a Bite.” Commended were Rodney Franzoi and Janine Jordan.

The 'Other” photography category was won by Catherine Franzoi with 'Swallow Ridge,” second was Lynette Smallwood with 'Sound of Colour” which broke away from the tyranny of two dimensions. Third place went to Waikino's Arthur Johnstone's 'After the Blow” and commended were Michael Hare for 'Sunflower” and Neil Fausett for 'Abstract.”