The City of Bayswater 2026 Community Art Awards Exhibition is now open, following an awards ceremony on Saturday 4 July.
Until Friday 17 July, community members can head to The RISE in Maylands from 10am to 4pm daily to browse more than 220 paintings, sculptures, photography and mixed media artworks.
Visitors can purchase their favourite artwork and cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award winner.
A highlight of the City’s events calendar, the Community Art Awards provides artists of all mediums, ages and backgrounds a platform to share their work with the community.
Yamatji Nanda artist Renee (Possum) Rose was awarded the City of Bayswater Open Award and $7,500 for her acrylic artwork ‘Soul of the Jarrah’, which judges commended for its refined technique and nuanced, abstract field of depth.
Noongar artist Brett Nannup received the Whadjuk Award and $7,500 for his striking artwork ‘Wunda’ made from neon glass on an etched steel plate. Judges commented that the piece draws on Noongar cultural narratives, using layered textures and symbolic forms to cross cultural and temporal boundaries. Both artworks will be acquired by the City of Bayswater.
The 2026 Community Art Awards Exhibition was curated by Leo Flavel and judged by Assunta Meleca, Peteris Ciemitis and Jade Dolman.
The event is supported by Art and Craft World Morley and Ellis House Art Centre.
Pictured: Acting Mayor Cr Elli Petersen-Pik with Open Award winner Renee (Possum) Rose.
City of Bayswater 2026 Community Art Awards winners
Open Award Winner
Possum Rose for ‘Soul of the Jarrah’
Whadjuk Award
Brett Nannup for ‘Wunda’
Highly Commended
Claire Skeet for ‘Between the Trees’
Anne Farrell for ‘Katie at the Festival’
Photography Award
Chinh Nguyen for ‘Parent of the Year’
Sculpture Award
Jordan Smith for ‘Leopard Sun and Mignonette Orchids’
City of Bayswater Resident Award
Kyle Hughes-Odgers for ‘Treadmill Bird Spends Its Best Years on Someone Else’s Treadmill’
Ellis House Member Award
Jane Meleisea for ‘The Last Branch’
High School Entry (Years 7 – 12)
Rylea Quinn for ‘Life Held In Graphite’
Primary School Entry (Years 1 – 6)
Clementine Rolls for ‘So We Meet Again’
Highly Commended High School Entry (Years 7 – 12)
Gemma Cook for ‘Bugs Life’
Highly Commended Primary School Entry (Years 1 – 6)
Cate Davies for ‘Flowers in a Vase’