The 2026 Grassland Art Prize was officially opened at the Grassland Art Gallery in Tambo on Saturday, with a crowd of 45 guests gathering to celebrate the outstanding exhibition and enjoy a warming luncheon.
Visitors travelled from Blackall, Barcaldine and Rockhampton to attend the event, while this year’s judge, arts professional Trudie Leigo, made the journey from Bundaberg. With more than 30 entries received from across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, Trudie acknowledged that selecting the winners was no easy task.
Awarding third place to Jill Taylor for On The Other Half of the World, Trudie described the artwork as “both aesthetically appealing and multi-layered in its interpretation of the theme.”
“It is a landscape brimming with originality and unique expression. Its interpretation of the theme invites contemplation,” she said.
Second place was awarded to Carmen Beezley Drake for Memories of Stirling Downs. Trudie praised the work as “an extremely well-executed painting that feels both familiar and dreamlike.”
“This artwork demonstrates that if you change the perspective, it changes everything. The artist has successfully generated a feeling of nostalgia and a sense of the surreal.”
The coveted first prize went to Ainslie McMahon for Flying Free. Trudie said the work continually drew her back.
“With a striking colour palette and original gestures, this artwork rewards viewing from different perspectives. Most appealing is that it gets me thinking. It prompts questions that I don’t have all the answers to, and stays with you long after you’ve walked away.”
The Tambo Arts Council congratulates all winners and entrants on another exceptional Grassland Art Prize.
The exhibition will be on display until the beginning of August, and the artworks are available for sale online.
