2025 Winner :

Melanie Blue

We are proud to announce that Melanie Blue's body of work has been selected as the winner. Melanie Blue is an emerging artist and Eastern Arrente woman from Bonya, a small community 366kms North-East of Alice Springs. Melanie creates works about things that she loves, such as planes, trucks, family and animals, as well as articles of every kind that are specific to life in Bonya. Melanie enjoys drawing on the Ipad and creates small intricate drawings,  her artwork can make you feel as though you are seeing the world from her point of view. Without doubt, Melanie will have a strong selection of country songs at the ready, keeping the studio bright and the inspiration flowing.   



2025 Highly Commended :

Pamela Mills

This year for the first time the judges decided to have a Highly Commended acknowledgment given to Pamela Mills for her work 'After the Tides'. Pamela Mills is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice spans photography, glass, textiles, felt, watercolour, and life drawing. Pamela brings a rich blend of scientific curiosity, environmental awareness and creative exploration to her art.

Pamela holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Science in Biological Sciences, grounding her artistic practice in a deep appreciation of natural history and environmental protection. These themes frequently emerge in her photography and material-based works, reflecting her long-standing commitment to nature and conservation. You can view Pamela's work above in the online exhibition.

Melanie Blue - Centipede, Blue Car, Bonya Kids, Bus Train