In 1985 I entered what was then termed ‘The Montana Art Award’ (now the ‘Montana Book Award’). This was a National competition held by the leading North Island wine organisation, Montana Wines. It was the first (and only) art competition I have ever entered. There were many hundreds of entrants from all over the country and I had, on the advice from a friend, sent one painting at the last minute. To my great surprise the painting ‘Performance’ won an award and a cash prize. We were flown to Gisborne for the presentation.
