Moreton Bay’s next generation creatives celebrated at Youth Art Awards

Published 30 October 2026

• Winners of Moreton Bay Youth Art Awards announced featuring works from painting, collage, printmaking, photography to sculpture.
• 239 entries including 217 individual artworks and 22 collaborative projects
• Acclaimed artist Joe Furlonger judged the Awards praising the "incredibly high" calibre of works

City of Moreton Bay's next generation of artists has earned high praise from acclaimed artist Joe Furlonger, who described the calibre of work featured in the 2026 Moreton Bay Youth Art Awards as "incredibly high".

The 239 entries made up of 217 individual artworks and 22 collaborative projects, revealed the creativity, technical skill and artistic ambition of young people across City of Moreton Bay.

Prior to the awards being announced, works were displayed in a professional exhibition environment.

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery congratulated this year's winners and participants, saying the awards celebrated the diverse talents and perspectives of young artists while helping them develop confidence and creative skills.

"The Moreton Bay Youth Art Awards gives young people the opportunity to share their stories, ideas and perspectives through art while exhibiting in a professional gallery setting," Mayor Flannery said.

"Every participant should be incredibly proud. The work they displayed demonstrates not only artistic ability, but also the confidence, curiosity and originality of our young people.

"These awards help nurture the next generation of creatives by providing a platform to connect with the community and gain valuable exhibition experience."

The community had the opportunity to vote for their favourite artwork, with Prep-Grade 3 student Ariana Amiri's Lake Samsonvale named the 2026 People's Choice Award winner.

Mr Furlonger, whose artwork is exhibited throughout Australia and internationally, said the exhibition reflected the remarkable talent emerging from schools across City of Moreton Bay.

"The calibre of work is incredibly high. You can see the quality of instruction, education and creative thinking behind every piece," Mr Furlonger said.

"There are clear influences spanning traditional and contemporary art styles, from classical techniques to pop art and everything in between. What stands out most is the intention behind the work and the confidence with which these young artists express their ideas.

"The exhibition reveals an impressive breadth of perspectives, stories and artistic approaches. It's exciting to see such a strong future for the arts here in Moreton Bay."

The annual awards provide school-aged artists who live in, or attend school within, City of Moreton Bay the opportunity to exhibit their work in a professional gallery environment, helping build confidence, develop creative skills and connect with the broader community.

For more information, visit moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Galleries-Museums/Get-Involved/Artist-Opportunities/Youth-Art-Awards.

People's Choice Award

Ariana Amiri, Lake Samsonvale (Prep-Grade 3)

Individual award winners

Prep to Year 3 2D

1st Mahli Raedel, The "Me"
2nd Charlie Pollard, Pebble Tower
3rd Mika Butterfield, Kokoda

Prep to Year 3 3D

1st Ellie Dornan, The Scary Light
2nd Calista Perry, The Rectangle of Libraries
3rd Hendrix Ryan, Everything I Touch is My Imagination

Years 4 to 6 2D

1st Leo Bayne, Moth
2nd Tildy Harris, My Brain in a Picture
3rd Wren Pratt, Hands and Hazard Tape

Years 4 to 6 3D

1st Aria Phillips, Where Stories Come to Life
2nd Phoebe Richards, The Lonely Valentine
3rd Alessandra, Detect Devon

Years 7 to 10 2D

1st Georgia Ennis, Little Weirdo Girl (Self-portrait)
2nd Bethany Lutton, Why Won't You Marry Me, Nerida?
3rd Anaya Bibin, The Lonely Parrot

Years 7 to 10 3D

1st Emily Fiechtner, Peace in Loss
2nd Kate Hickey, Viewed From Their Shadows
3rd Paul Foerster, Florence 2.0

Years 11 and 12 2D

1st Sienna Luxford, Portraits
2nd Juliet Clare, Birds of Moreton Bay Series
3rd Tamika Anderson, Leaving Everything

Years 11 and 12 3D

1st Emily Ashby, Beautifully Broken
2nd Lexi Zorzi, The Waves of Music
3rd Mai Ofner, The Secret Garden of Lotus

Collaborative award winners

Prep to Year 3: Albany Hills State School, Our Patchwork Neighbourhood
Years 4 to 6: Humpybong State School, Redcliffe Jetty Pop Art
Years 7 to 12: Clontarf Beach State High School, Cabin in the Snow

People's Choice Award winning artwork
Ariana Amiri, Lake Samsonvale, 2026, Prep-Grade 3. Photographed by Embellysh Photography.