Murals impress

By Country News

Mar 9, 2019

A glorious country sunset and a striking tribute to some of Australia’s most influential faces won Toowoomba artist Kerry Nicholson the top prize at the Rochester Mural Festival on Saturday.

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The Rochester Mural Festival veteran has painted in the week-long festival every year since its inception, but this is the first time he has taken out the top ticket.

In fact, he won two of the three highest honours, voted number one in the People’s Choice Award.

It’s the first time a single artist has won the People’s Choice Award as well as being crowned the overall winner.

‘‘I just can’t wipe the smile off my face. I honestly think the judges had a really tough job, there was lots of amazing artists here this week,’’ he said.

It’s estimated more than 2000 people have attended the festival since it started on February 22, a record for the event.

Festival organiser Jude Anderson said she was thrilled to see Mr Nicholson win.

‘‘He’s come in as the bridesmaid for a few years and it’s so good to see him take the top prize. His work always really resonates with people and we’ve seen that here today,’’ she said.