Prize winners crowned at 2026 Murray Bridge Rotary Art Show
Artists, sculptors and photographers have been recognised at the opening of an annual exhibition at Murray Bridge Regional Gallery.
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Talented artists from around the Murraylands and beyond have been celebrated at the opening of the 2026 Murray Bridge Rotary Art Show.
More than $4000 worth of prizes were awarded at Murray Bridge Regional Gallery on Sunday, with recognition granted to hobbyists and professionals alike.
That was the great thing about the annual show, gallery director Fulvia Mantelli said: it included a diverse range of works from artists at all experience levels.
“This year’s exhibition has been one of the highest quality we’ve had to date,” she said.
There had been an explosion of colour in this year’s entries, she said – something much needed amid an uncertain time around the world.
Lizzy Hirstle won the Jean Sims Art Prize for Leonardo, an oil painting which judge Samantha Faehrmann described as having a respect for light and shadow, offering a gentle insight into a moment in time: “It’s a very beautiful work.”
The Andrew Hay Memorial Photography Prize went to Kathryn Hannaford for Autumn leaves, a snap reminiscent of “seasonality … the fragility of our place within place and a greater cycle”.
Among the other prize winners were:
- 3D art: Craig Freundt, Scrap metal owl; second prize Heather Richards, Saved from the fire (1); third prize Carol Forster, All about the banksia
- 2D art: Second prize Jane Mason, Maggie; third prize Lorene Van Rossen, Sentry
- Photography: Second prize Michelle Dohnt, Rough seas; third prize Bharat Singh, Dark bloom
- Best compassionate depiction of an animal: Lorene Van Rossen, Itchy bliss (do unto others)
A people’s choice prize will be awarded when the exhibition closes.
Posing with their winning works are Heather Richards, Kathryn Hannaford, Lorene Van Rossen, Lizzy Hirstle, Michelle Dohnt and Bharat Singh. Photos: Peri Strathearn.
Murray Bridge Rotary Club president Roxanne Rowland thanked everyone who had entered the show.
“Your creativity, passion and willingness to share your art with us is what makes this event truly inspiring,” she said.
“Each piece on display represents not just your skill, but your time, your dedication and your unique perspective.
“We are incredibly grateful for your contribution to the vibrancy of our community.”
The exhibition will continue at Murray Bridge Regional Gallery until May 24.
The gallery is open from 10am-4pm, Tuesday-Saturday, and from 11am-4pm on Sundays.
- More information: Visit www.murraybridgegallery.com.au or www.murraybridgeartshow.com.au.
Correction: A inaccurate description of Hirstle’s work has been updated.
