An artist who has been living on the Sunshine Coast since the mid-1980s has won a prestigious local art prize.
Marvene Ash claimed the $10,000 Best in Show acquisitive prize for her work Studio furniture (hare hiding), a sensitive vignette of her art studio in Maleny, in the Local Contemporary Art Prize 2026.
The piece grapples with art history, the creative imagination and the ordinary reality of an artist’s life and environment, with guest judge Kerryanne Ferrer lauding the oil painting for its timeless quality and mastery of form.
Artworks from 40 leading Sunshine Coast artists are now on display and free to view at the Caloundra Regional Gallery as part of the annual competition, which is in its 12th year.
The 2D Excellence Award was presented to Ketakii Jewson-Brown of Maleny for Tender love, a framed photographic pigment print.
The 3D Excellence Award went to Maroochydore resident Samantha Mays, recognised for Head in the sand, a work made using sterling silver, 18ct gold, found objects (dice) and sand from Maroochydore beach.
The People’s Choice Award is yet to be decided, with art lovers able to visit in person or explore the finalists on the gallery website and cast their vote.
Mayor Rosanna Natoli said this year’s art prize continued to highlight the region’s depth of creative talent.
“The Sunshine Coast is home to an exceptional and diverse community of artists, and this prize showcases that talent beautifully,” she said.
“This year we received more than 200 entries, giving our selection committee the difficult task of narrowing the field to the final 40 works now on display.
“Our young artists are also represented through the Local Student Art Prize 2026, demonstrating the creativity and potential of the next generation.
“I encourage the community to visit both exhibitions and experience firsthand the calibre of work being produced across our region.”
The exhibition is open at Caloundra Regional Gallery, located at 22 Omrah Avenue, and online until May 17.
