ONE of “CityNews” very favourite exhibitions is the annual showing of the finalists’ work in the The Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize, which over the years has changed its name from time to time, but still continues to highlight are that explores sciences that may inspire the creative process.

Emanating from the South Australian Museum, the show tours only to the National Archives here in Canberra.

This year we may be forgiven if the given a little parochialism as we can boast several Canberra region artists are the front runners.

Queanbeyan artist Harriet Schwarzrock’s glass sculpture “Breathe” was the winner of the Sculpture and Objects category, while artist Nicola Dickson and glass artist Emilie Patteson were highly commended in the Paintings category and Youth Art prize respectively.

A painting on canvas with a collage of cut and torn papers, “High Tide”, Wynnum by Carole King from Maudsland, Queensland, is this year’s overall winner.

The quality of the exhibition is as high as ever, with an emphasis this year on very finely resolved works of art. Nonetheless, are always a few whimsical objects and artworks on display, like Anna Medlin’s “Dingo Coyote Fox Dingo” in cast glass.

The exhibition presents the top 32 winning and highly-commended works, selected from 627 entries from 11 countries. As one of Australia’s richest art competitions – organised by the South Australian Museum – the Waterhouse is unique in its mission to encourage exploration of the sciences that inspire the creative process.

This year, climate change, natural wonders and species loss are among the themes explored by the competition finalists. The combined prize moneys total more than $100,000, with an overall acquisitive winner’s prize of $50,000 and category prizes of $12,000 each for paintings, works on paper and sculpture and objects. The Waterhouse Youth Art Prize, the People’s Choice award and the price for excellence in science communication are each worth $5,000.

The Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize is on show at the National Archives of Australia, Queen Victoria Terrace, Parkes, daily until Sunday, November 9.