2014 and 2016 South Holland Open Arts Exhibition winner Dina Perejogina (left) last year with her painting Head Strong, and SHDC’s arts and culture development officer Rachel Rowett.

Animal instinct leads Dina to make history at South Holland Open Arts event

In 2014, three brown piglets helped artist Dina Perejogina win the public vote at South Holland Open Arts contest – and this year it’s a brown bull.

Dina’s painting Head Strong has led to her becoming the first artist to win the coveted trophy twice, following a poll at the exhibition in the South Holland Centre.

Dina, of Spalding, said: “I love painting animals and in England you have so many amazing animals but not many people have paintings of them.

“These animals get taken for granted artistically, but to me they are beautiful and I want more people to love them as much as more exotic animals.

“I am very grateful to everyone who voted for me – it’s lovely to know that people are enjoying my work.”

Coun Gary Taylor, South Holland District Council’s portfolio holder for arts development, was full of admiration for the winning entry.

He said: “Dina’s painting is very striking and grabs your attention, so I can see why many people voted for it.

“This year’s exhibition once again featured high quality artwork so I would like to thank everyone who took the time to enter.”

The winner of the competition’s Best Newcomer award was Wendy Jones Dabrowska for her painting Room With a View, while the Best Photography prize went to Alison Loakes for Ketton Quarry.

Open Arts, which has been running annually since 1999, aims to showcase the best work by professional and amateur artists from across the region.

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