This is the second in the biennial series of the substantial Adelaide Park Lands Art Prize, which is an initiative of the Adelaide Park Lands Preservation Association.

The art prize and exhibition aims to encourage public awareness, support and interest in the appreciation and conservation of the Adelaide Park Lands.

Entrants were encouraged to capture the essence of the Adelaide Park Lands in their chosen medium.

This year’s exhibition will feature a range of different mediums including painting, sculpture, drawing, digital, photography, textile and printmaking.

The 2014 Art Prize was won by Canberra based artist C. J. Taylor, for his photograph ‘Pasha of the Parklands’.

‘Pasha of the Parklands’ by C. J. Taylor.

This year’s competition was strongly supported by local artists with all but six being from South Australia.

Of the 55 finalists, the winner will receive $20,000 prize money and 10 runners up will receive $1000 each.

Adelaide Festival Centre CEO and Artistic Director Douglas Gautier says the Adelaide Park Lands hold a very special place in the hearts of many South Australians.

“They are an essential part of Adelaide and the envy of many visitors to our city.

“We are delighted to host the Adelaide Park Lands Art Prize at Adelaide Festival Centre. Congratulations to all of the finalists,” he says.

The 2016 Adelaide Park Lands Art Prize exhibition is running from April 16 to May 28 at Artspace Gallery and is open Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 4pm. View some of the finalists works below.

Seeds, Botanical Musing by Sum Chow.

Slippage 3 by Sally Parnis.

Reflective, Tulya Wodli by Sally Parnis.

Morning Water, Tulya Wodli by Sally Parnis.

Big Old Bugger Botanic Park by Peter Barnes.

Victoria Park Race Course by Laura Wills.

Light and Shadows by Laima Guscia.

Regeneration by Helen Sherriff.

Encapsulate by Thomas Buchanan.

Seed by Laima Guscia.

I Don’t Want to be the Right Way Round by Cathy Beckwith.

Autumn Flight Pakapakanthi by Alison Main.