Award winning artist, Jake Billinghurst called his winning work Thanks Dad.

"Dad's always been there by my side, helping me with every aspect of life," Jake said.

"He supports me and allows me to succeed and achieve my goals, he said.

"He has been a great influence on the way I have grown as a person both physically and mentally."

The judges were unanimous with their decision, heaping praise on Jake's artwork.

"It is a brilliant work with excellent composition and perspective," GIG president, Lesly Stevenson said.

"We are delighted to award Jake as winner in our first Galleries in the Gardens Student Art Award."

GIG head of curatorial, Emilie Tseronis said working with just three pencils Jake had beautifully produced maximum effect on a grand scale, while judge and BCS visual arts teacher and humanities department head, Sue Cross described him as an amazing artist.

"We really hope he continues to create artworks," Ms Cross said.

"Its emotional representation is powerful, emotive and reflective, brilliantly conceived and executed."

Jake won $500, a certificate and the opportunity to display and sell at The Gallery through the year.

Highly commended awards were given to Annabella Whyman for Mi Familia, a joyful family depiction, and Natasha Veith for Mirror Image, six delicate watercolour portraits of her mum and herself.

Each receive certificates and $50.

A certificate of merit was presented to Harrison Hughes for his Terri Dragon papier mache sculpture.

A special exhibition showcasing all the Bulahdelah Central School entries will be held The Gallery, 81 Marine Drive, Tea Gardens, from noon today, Wednesday, October 7 then 10am to 3pm daily Thursday to Sunday, October 11.

Galleries in the Gardens is a not-for-profit art group and this award is one of its community activities.

For more details check Facebook: GalleriesInTheGardens www.galleriesinthegardens.com.au

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