Ultimately Linda Nye won the $400 first prize for her cigar box lid-sized submission, but judge Karina Devine said it was a very close race and a hard field to judge, with standards very high. Taking out second place was Rebecca Berrett winning $200, and $100 for third place went to perennial favourite Lou Potter.

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The Studio's Anni Washington feels there are a number of factors contributing to the popularity of the competition and subsequent exhibition. Revisiting the cigar box lid art genre of the late 1800's and embracing an Australiana theme is not only an ode to art history but also echoes Australia's growing nationalistic fervour as it approached federation.

Timing of this exhibition also leads in well to next month's Oracles of the Bush, embracing the history of poetry and ballads. Ms Washington said the beginning of the year is also a bit slower in the art world, and this event puts people back into the habit of looking at and liking art.

The competition attracted the Studio's largest field by far, with 39 artists submitting 89 artworks. Sales of the pieces are brisk, which Ms Washington puts down to their more-economic size.

Sponsor Kerry Swain of Jennings & Kneipp has agreed to come on board to repeat the competition at the same time next year, and Ms Devine is keen to return as judge, despite the challenge of picking this year's winners.

Around 65 art lovers attended the opening. Although it was busy the smaller format of the pieces afforded a closer viewing, and Ms Washington said she saw many people peering into the paintings to see the finer detail.

The $100 viewers' choice prize is still up for grabs, and votes are flowing in. The exhibition continues until April 28.