Diane Forsberg was awarded the 2000 James Weir People's Choice Art Exhibition first-place trophy on Monday evening.

The awards presentation was part of a reception held at the Allie Griffin Art Gallery which closed this year's exhibition. The exhibit gives amateur artists in the district an opportunity to show their works in a gallery setting.

The People's Choice exhibit was open for nearly four weeks giving the public the opportunity to cast ballots for their favorite pieces. This year, 450 people voted.

The Lake Alma artist won the first-place trophy with her oil painting on canvas rendition of Canada Geese in a marsh-like setting.

"I enjoy painting Canada Geese," said Forsberg. "They are my favorite setting."

The inspiration for her award-winning piece came from thinking about a scene in the wild where Canada Geese played a role.

Sonia Fogel of Weyburn won second place for her stained glass work. Kathy Mann, Weyburn, won third place for her watercolour painting.

Fogel said the inspiration for her glass work comes from what she wants to do. She chose butterflies this year because she has wanted to try that pattern for 10 years.

"The only thing I do is stained glass," said Fogel. "I love it."

Mann's watercolour was based on an idea she received from a family holiday picture by the ocean. This painting was her first effort at doing watercolour with people in the picture and she says she would like more practice at it.

"I was happy with how the kids turned out on the painting," said Mann.

Seven honourable mentions were awarded to Julie Giroux, Erna Murray, Edna Jennings, Lawrence Barber, Kathryn Groshong, Caroline McGillivray and Mary Keedwell.