Top of their game, exhibition highlights regions best
Three Local Contemporary Art Prize winners have been named, the People's Choice Award is still up for grabs.
Forty local artists at the forefront of contemporary visual art are on show at Caloundra Regional Gallery as the Local Contemporary Art Prize 2025 exhibition opens to the public.
The $10,000 Best in Show acquisitive prize was awarded to Sam Vatovey from Sunshine Beach, for her work Mount Emu Walk, a traditional oil paint, oil stick and spray paint work.
Sunshine Coast Council Strong Portfolio Councillor David Law said the prestigious Local Contemporary Art Prize, now in its eleventh year, celebrated the diversity and talent of visual artists from across the region.
“The Sunshine Coast is home to an outstanding and diverse range of artists and the local art prize is testament to that,” Cr Law said.
“This year, we received more than 200 entries, posing a challenging task to the selection committee to narrow this down to the final 40 pieces now on display in the gallery.
“The region’s talented student artists are also on show, with a second exhibition, the Local Student Art Prize.
“Here, our budding young artists and emerging next generation talent are proving the growth potential of our region.
“I urge you to visit both exhibitions at the gallery to view this outstanding show case of our local artists.”
2D Excellence and 3D Excellence winners
GILLESPIE_Terrence_Anakie_Street_2025_giclee print photograph_60 x 90cm
The 2D Excellence award was presented to Terrence Gillespie from Mountain Creek for Anakie Street, a framed fine art giclée print.
Erin Conron of Verrierdale received the 3D Excellence award for Parallax Series, Sphere #1, a blown and kiln-fired glass with applied enamel.
CONRON_Erin_Parallax Series Sphere No. 1_2024_blown and kiln glass with applied enamel_22 x 22 x 22cm
The exhibition is on show at Caloundra Regional Gallery and online at gallery.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au from April 11 to June 8, 2025.
Keen art lovers can view the exhibition in person or online and vote for their favourite in the People’s Choice Award.
People’s Choice is often one of the most coveted prizes for artists to receive and one lucky voter will receive a $50 voucher to the Caloundra Regional Gallery store.
Valued Sponsors and Supporters
The success of the Local Contemporary Art Prize is made possible through the generous support of sponsors:
- Sunshine Coast Council and Caloundra Regional Gallery for the Best in Show Acquisitive Award of $10,000.
- Mary Henzell Investments for sponsoring the $2,500 2D Excellence Awards.
- Local Agents Caloundra for sponsoring the $2,500 3D Excellence Award.
- Friends of the Gallery and Community Bank Caloundra - Bendigo Bank for their sponsorship of the $2,000 People’s Choice Award, which will be announced on Sunday, June 8, allowing ample time for public voting.
Caloundra Regional Gallery is located at 22 Omrah Avenue, Caloundra and the accessible space is open Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, and Saturday to Sunday, 10am to 2pm. The exhibition is closed on public holidays.