LEGENDARY Warrnambool artist Jimmi Buscombe has been on an upward trajectory all year.
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The portrait specialist took out the Warrnibald People’s choice award on Sunday, only a few months after going viral with his wombat street art. The wombat was affectionately named Gutsy.
More than 1100 people voted for their favourite art piece, with Buscombe’s eye-catching portrait of former Warrnambool dancer and drag queen Daniel Newell declared the winner.
Buscombe said he was blown away with the win, and with the support he had received.
More than 6000 visitors have come to see the exhibition.
- Ren Gregoric
“It’s just phenomenal,” he said. He thanked the Warrnambool Art Gallery and Western District Employment Access who run the annual prize.
Exhibitions and outreach curator Ren Gregoric said the Warrnibald had been a “tremendous success”.
“More than 6000 visitors have come to see the exhibition,” he said.
Second place was awarded to Julie Hobbs, for her portrait of Warrnambool football legend Alicia Drew, who has been a driving force in establishing women’s footy in the south-west.
Artist Megan Nicolson won the judge’s choice, which was announced in August, for her portrait of environmental warrior Colleen Hughson.