An exhibition comprising the winning artworks and a selection of highly commended finalists in the Waterhouse Natural History Art Prize opens at the National Archives on Friday 7 October. A media preview is scheduled for 11 am.

The Waterhouse Natural History Art Prize is Australia’s richest for natural history art. In just three years it has become one of the most prestigious art competitions in the land, promoting and recognising excellence in art depicting natural history or wildlife.

The overall winning work is The Centre of Attention by Tasmanian artist Michael McWilliams, depicting a Tasmanian tiger standing in moonlight. The People’s Choice Award is Leafy Sea Dragon by South Australian artist Silvio Apponyi.

The 2005 competition received a remarkable response from artists nationally and internationally. From the 609 entries received, the judging panel shortlisted 109 finalists in three categories – oil, acrylic or mix; watercolour; and sculpture.

Judges for the 2005 Waterhouse Natural History Art Prize were Philip Adams (broadcaster, writer and film-maker), Tim Flannery (scientist, commentator and Director of South Australia Museum), Nick Mount (leading Australian glass artist), John Neylon (art writer, curator and art consultant), and Robyn Williams (science journalist, Radio National’s ‘The Science Show’).

The competition is named after Frederick George Waterhouse, an avid collector of Australia’s fauna who assembled a fine series of insects, reptiles, birds, mammals, and plants and discovered 40 new species of fish off the South Australian coastline.