Rockhampton artist Erin Dunne, originally from Duaringa, has won the Flying Arts ‘Art for Life’ Holding Redlich Award for her multi-drawing artbook Destination Duaringa.

The annual Queensland Regional Art Awards are open to visual artists living in regional, rural and remote communities around the state. This year there were eight awards, with Ms Dunne’s being the top of the tree with a prize purse of $10,000.

On Facebook, Ms Dunne said the win comes about 12 months since her decision to quit teaching art full time to dedicate herself seriously to her artistic practice.

“This is a lovely anniversary present!” Ms Dunne writes.

“Congratulations to all of the very deserving winners and artists selected to tour - can't wait for the exhibition launch next year!”

This year’s judging panel included Bianca Acimovic, Director of the Rockhampton Regional Art Gallery.

While Erin was the only Central Queensland artist to take out an award, other local artists included in the touring exhibition are Rockhampton’s Emma Ward, young photographer Joe Botica from Gladstone, Jenny Neubecker from Waterloo (northwest of Bundaberg) and Mackay’s Jack Martin.

You can see the winning artworks and find out more on the Flying Arts website.