Blue umbrella wins hearts

Key points

• A pastel painting of a blue beach umbrella has won the People's Choice Award at the inaugural Local Emerging Artist Prize at the Pomona Railway Station Gallery. Marcus Beach artist Kathy Gallagher, a retired doctor, created The Blue Umbrella, which drew votes from hundreds of visitors.
• The exhibition formed part of the gallery's 25th anniversary celebrations. Gallagher received a $500 prize and a $300 art supplies voucher.
• Mary Zouglakis won the overall prize for Coffee Times Reflections, and Lisa Mitchell received the Encouragement Award.