River of Art Prize opens 11 days of creativity
Frances Luke has been awarded the 2026 River of Art Prize for her painting Mossy Point Wetlands 1.
It was a full house and gardens at Moruya’s Mechanics Institute on Friday evening, as more than 300 people gathered for the opening of the River of Art Festival and Art Prize awards.
Inside the iconic 146-year-old building, 74 finalist works were on show, spanning painting, drawing, photography, sculpture and wearable art.
This year’s theme was wide open, inviting artists to express themselves in any medium and on any theme, yet many of the finalist works reflected the preciousness of place, wildlife and people.
Independent judges Hannah Semler and Nancy Sever drew on decades of experience in the arts to make their selections, saying the winning works repeatedly drew them back for a closer look and deeper appreciation of technique, composition and impact.
First Prize
Frances Luke received the $4,500 First Prize for her oil on canvas Mossy Point Wetlands 1, as well as the opportunity to present a supported solo exhibition at the Mechanics Institute in 2027 through the Basil Sellers Exhibition Centre.
The judges praised the work for its “sophisticated handling of natural light and masterful mark-making”, saying it demonstrated a deep understanding of the coastal wetland ecosystem.
“The tangled marsh grasses, leaning gums and dark reflective water capture the delicate complexity of an untouched natural habitat, while the light filtering through the forest gives the work a strong sense of place,” the judges said.
Frances said the recognition meant a lot to her and to her work on a series advocating for the conservation of Mossy Point Wetlands.
“This particular area is a very small patch of land, but a lot of animals, birds and reptiles came there during the fires. It was the last place they had to go to.”
It’s also home to the feathertail glider for which we are also fighting for its survival.”
second Prize
Annie Franklin’s Museum Box – Latham’s Snipe was awarded the $2500 Second Prize and $100 gift voucher for Amanda’s of Mogo.
The judges praised the work’s “masterful blend of fine craft, scientific narrative and environmental advocacy”, noting the way ceramic sculpture, painting and woodwork combine to create both physical presence and a strong sense of habitat.
“The work draws attention to the migratory plight and conservation status of Latham’s snipe, asking viewers to consider how vulnerable species and their habitats can be preserved and protected.”
Franklin praised the Festival for giving the artists a platform – “It’s very special because we have so much to say about our precious environment and our precious birds.”
Mystery Bay Cottages Award
Sidney Kelly received the $2,000 Mystery Bay Cottages Award for ‘Bird Watching’, an oil on canvas.
Presented in honour of Darlien de Berigny Babington, the award recognises a work offering a compelling reflection on the natural world and our relationship with it.
Sidney, who has just devoted herself full-time to her art said “All the art here is so magnificent, it’s such a pleasure to be displayed among all these other artists, so keep creating!”
Highly Commended
‘Habitat Haven’ by Kath Unsworth was Highly Commended by the judges. They praised the work for its “exceptional technique, sensitivity and assured handling of the subject”, saying the artist’s deep affection for her subject is evident throughout the work. Kath received a $500 cash prize and a $50 gift voucher to Amanda’s of Mogo.
“I’m so surprised by this recognition and so impressed by the artworks and artists here – I just do birds,” she said.
Narooma Arts Centre Early Career Award
Lucy Bademan received the Narooma Arts Centre Early Career Award for her jewellery collection Splash.
The judges praised the collection for its “high degree of skill, design and use of the materials” noting that its themes connect strongly with local lifestyle and environment.
Lucy’s recognition includes a supported two-week exhibition at Narooma Arts Centre in 2027.
FROM THE CHAIR
River of Art Chair Corin Rossouw said this year’s Prize attracted a record number of entries from across Australia, with 74 finalist works selected for exhibition.
“This exhibition is the anchor of the Festival and this marks the beginning of eleven days of art and creativity across the Eurobodalla,” she said.
“Right across the region there are exhibitions, open studios, workshops, music, performances and plenty of unexpected places to discover art.”
“Take your time, plan a day out, find works that speak to you and, most of all, explore. Ask people what they’ve seen and where they’re going next — and if you see something you love, take a piece of the Festival home with you.”
Corin encouraged visitors to the Art Prize to cast their vote in the Framing Pieces People’s Choice Prize which will be announced at the close of the exhibition on October 5.
Corin also thanked Walbunja Elder Aunty Loretta Parsley for opening the evening with a Welcome to Country, Dr Michael Holland MP, Member for Bega, Eurobodalla Shire Mayor Mat Hatcher, Carolyn Killen from Sculpture Bermagui and Murray Vanderveer from Far South Films for joining the celebration.
“Most of all, we thank the artists and volunteers whose time, energy and generosity make River of Art possible each year,” she said.
The River of Art Prize exhibition is open daily from 10am to 4pm at the Mechanics Institute, Moruya, until 5 October.
The 2026 River of Art Prize is supported by Mystery Bay Cottages and the Basil Sellers Exhibition Centre, with gift vouchers from Amanda’s of Mogo, the Narooma Arts Centre supporting the Early Career Award and Framing Pieces supporting the People’s Choice Prize.
Explore the full program and build your own Art Trail itinerary at www.riverofART.com.au
ABOUT THE JUDGES
Hannah Semler is an arts and cultural development leader with more than 40 years’ experience spanning curation, regional arts development and public programming, including senior roles with Arts OutWest, Belconnen Arts Centre and the National Arboretum Canberra.
Nancy Sever is a highly regarded curator and gallery director and former Director of the ANU Drill Hall Gallery and ANU Art Collection, whose contribution to the visual arts in Australia and France was recognised with France’s Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
Walbunja Elder Aunty Loretta Parsley independently judged the Mystery Bay Cottages Award in honour of her late friend Darlien de Berigny Babington and her deep connection to the natural world. Aunty Loretta also opened the evening with a Welcome to Country.
ABOUT River of ART
Now in its 22nd year, River of Art Festival runs from 25 September to 5 October 2026, presenting 50+ exhibitions, open studios, workshops, film, performance and creative experiences across the Eurobodalla and surrounding South Coast.
