Nearly 1,500 people voted in the People’s Choice competition which sees the winner awarded a cash prize of $5,000.

Ms Gray spent more than 400 hours researching and producing a detailed pen and ink mandala that depicts the fragile relationship between the arts and the natural world. The drawing illustrates the plight of Australia’s endemic plants focussing on 758 critically endangered and endangered species.

When asked how it felt to be named the People’s Choice winner, Ms Gray said, “It feels very surreal, I am so pleased my work resonated with so many people. Considering the depth and calibre of the work I feel very humbled.”

Ms Gray contemplated on why her piece resonated with visitors to the Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize.

“When we hear the number of critically endangered and endangered plant species it can seem quite abstract but visualising them together in one place makes the loss seem much more tangible. It’s also a relatable loss, it’s not happening underground it’s happening right in front of us – it’s the plants we may have in our neighbourhood and because of that I believe unlike some environmental issues, people may be empowered to make a difference.”

“The loss of species is current, happening right now and with the recent release of the Federal State of the Environment Report it is now acknowledged that we have more foreign plant species in Australia than native,” she added.

The People’s Choice Dr Wendy Wickes Memoriam Prize recognises the significance of the public vote, a unique feature of the award, it provides visitors with the opportunity to decide on the piece that they think most reflects the spirit of the Waterhouse. The People’s Choice prize is an embodiment of Wendy’s love of the exhibition.

Lesley Wickes who represents the prize on Wendy’s behalf says,

“The Waterhouse was always Wendy’s favourite exhibition and she often disagreed with the judges. It was in her memory that the People’s Choice Prize was created and has, over the last 10 years, given everyone the opportunity to voice who they consider to be a worthy winner.”

The Waterhouse Natural Science Art Prize is on at the South Australian Museum until Sunday 7 August. Tickets can be bought online or from the Museum.

South Australian Museum Director, and one of the prize’s judges, Mr Brian Oldman says it’s always interesting to see what the public think.

“It’s no surprise Cathy’s piece was a favourite given the incredible amount of detail that went into it. Seeing all the critically endangered and endangered species depicted in such a unique way is a timely reminder for us all.”