The giant roving gallery that has taken over Nelson's CBD is winding up, with the winners of this year's Art in Windows competition announced.

The event showcased more than 90 local artists in shop window displays, but joint first place went to Basecamp in Trafalgar St and Living Light Candles in the City Centre Arcade.

Basecamp combined a giant outdoors mural by artist Sirpa Alalaakkola with a range of outdoor-themed products and props.

Living Light Candles' display featured paintings by Francie Heathfield and Dorothy Meharry, set against coloured candles and lanterns.

Third place went to Jays Fashions in Bridge St with paintings by Lloyd Harwood and bold colour blocks and spring fashion.

The competition, part of the Nelson Arts Festival, was developed by the Nelson Arts Council and Uniquely Nelson.

Basecamp and Living Light Candles will each receive $1000 worth of advertising vouchers from the Nelson Mail and The Radio Network, and Jays Fashions will receive a $250 morning tea shout from the Nelson Building Society.

Uniquely Nelson manager Cathy Madigan said the winning displays showed a lot of creativity in the way the artworks and retail products had been integrated.

"We had a record number of retailers and artists participating in Art in Windows this year, and the creativity on show was outstanding. Choosing the finalists, then the winners, from the 93 entries was a very hard decision."

Arts Council Nelson manager Lloyd Harwood paired many of the artists with relevant retailers, and said he was constantly inspired by the creativity of the displays.

- © Fairfax NZ News