Miss Donovan (26) won a $2000 prize for coming second at the award ceremony at Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington, on Thursday for her felt-tip pen on paper artwork Fashion Models.
Her mother, Karen Donovan, said her daughter was "excited'' by the win, and the "stay in a flash hotel''.
The top prize of $5000 was won by artist Jo-Anne Tapiki, of Wellington, for her embroidered cushion work Holiday.
The third prize of $1000 went to Karin Claydon, of Wellington, for her work Maori Designs.
Judge and art consultant Tim Walker, of Auckland, said the three works "radiated that extra magic''.
"Whether that was a highly original sense of composition, a brilliant use of colour or an aspect of the way the artist had actually made the piece.''
The more than 400 entries in the awards, which began in 2004, included sculptures, installations and textile art, painting and drawing.
The 30 finalists' work was auctioned at the event and all proceeds went to the artists, including $600 to Miss Donovan.
The awards are open to all New Zealanders with an intellectual disability, aged 13 or older.
