Artists from across the Wattle Range area and beyond are invited to enter the 2026 Wattle Range Art Exhibition, with entries now open for one of the region's most celebrated arts events.
Now in its 11th year, the exhibition showcases contemporary works across a range of mediums and offers more than $12,000 in prize money, including the prestigious Wattle Range Art Prize.
The 2025 exhibition attracted 288 entries from established artists, talented young creatives and first-time exhibitors, highlighting the strength and diversity of the region's arts community.
Manager Libraries and Cultural Services Janice Nitschke said the exhibition continues to provide an important opportunity for artists to share their work and connect with the community.
"The Wattle Range Art Exhibition celebrates creativity, showcases artistic talent and brings people together through the arts. We encourage artists of all experience levels to take part and be part of this much-loved event," Ms Nitschke said.
Last year's exhibition featured an impressive collection of award-winning works. Local artist and long-time exhibitor Anne Miles received both the Wattle Range Art Prize and the Drawing & Printmaking Award for her work Banksia Heaven.
Other 2025 winners included local supporter Peter Dunn, who won the prestigious Painting Award with Tantanoola Caves, Robe artist Jo Jo Spook, who won the 3D Sculpture Award for Love at First Sight, Briony Pridham, who received the Ceramics Award for When the Limestone Country Sings III, Jo Fife, whose work Red Algae won the Textile Art Award, and Kristi Biezaite, who won the Mixed Media Award for One Hundred Kilometres of Solitude.
Diana Ashworth received the Mayoral Award for Mt Burr Beginnings, while first-time entrant Max Burnett was recognised as the First Time Entrant Winner. Ryan Ojeda and Max Bobbington were awarded the Primary and Secondary Youth Awards, reflecting strong participation from young artists.
A new online entry system on Council’s website has been introduced this year, making it easier than ever for artists to submit their entries.
The exhibition will open at the Millicent Gallery on Friday, 27 November 2026, and run until 25 January 2027.
To be eligible for the Wattle Range Art Prize, artworks must relate to the Wattle Range district through one or more themes including landscapes, portraits, nature and wildlife.