A small white box.

Unassuming except for the gaping mouth and contorted face on its exterior.

A deeper look reveals a dark peephole, a twisted, horned human creature at its heart.

Cramped, gnarled, it is suspended in time as a form dying to break free.

This was the creation of illustrator-artist Frey Micklethwait that took out the $3000 2011 Border Art Prize.

The winner and runners-up were announced on Saturday night by guest judge Bruce Reynolds at the Gold Coast City Gallery.

"Illustrating is about describing, illuminating and convincing," Mr Reynolds said.

"Painting generally seeks to offer a less-prescriptive experience, more a vehicle of interpretation. The winner does both."

Second place was awarded to Tallebudgera-based twins Christie and Kelly Turner for their entry Wintersun, which depicted a woman veiled in autumn leaves.

This and the Pamela Rainger Study Stipend from the Gold Coast branch of the Australian Decorative and Fine Art Society earned the girls $1500 each.

ADFAS Judge Moreena Hull said the twins' teamwork was intriguing.

"We did not know that the artists were twins, but when we found out we were fascinated."

Leone Corker's painting of a dog and its reflection on wet sand on a deserted beach rounded out the awards with the third prize of $500.

The exhibition finishes on October 16.

Visit www.theartscentregc.com.au.