A bigger canvas for creativity at the 2026 Canning Art Awards

The City of Canning has celebrated another outstanding year of artistic talent, recognising the winners of the 2026 Canning Art Awards at the official Opening Night and Awards Presentation at Riverton Library on Thursday 24 September.

This year’s Awards provided more opportunities than ever for emerging and established artists to showcase their work, with the City increasing exhibition capacity from 200 to 250 entries across seven categories spanning painting on canvas and paper, drawing, 3D sculpture and textiles, mixed media, photography and digital art.

The 2026 Awards also welcomed two new award categories presented by the Canning Arts Group, recognising excellence across eligible 2D and 3D works by adult Canning Arts Group members.

The 2026 Award winners are:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Artist Award – Jayda Eades
• City of Canning Resident Award – Rachel Callander
• Canning Arts Group 2D Award (Adult) – Maggie Smith
• Canning Arts Group 3D Award (Adult) – Chris Elliot
• Adult: Painting on Canvas Award – Skye Riseley
• Adult: Painting on Paper Award – Barbara Stockton
• Adult: Drawing Award – Leah Barrett-Lennard
• Adult: 3D Sculpture/Textile Award – Anne Bennett
• Adult: Mixed Media Award – Eleonora Gugliotta
•  Adult: Photography Award – Janine Sheen
• Youth: Painting on Canvas Award – Ian Ang
• Youth: Painting on Paper Award – Laura Chadwick
• Youth: Drawing Award – Miriam Sekendy
• Youth: 3D Sculpture/Textile Award – Nice Angel Bascon
• Youth: Mixed Media Award – Vanessa Chong
• Youth: Photography Award – Eve McCoy
• Digital Art Award – Pearlie Slater

Mayor Patrick Hall said the Awards continued to provide an important platform for artists to share their creativity with the wider community.

“The Canning Art Awards are a wonderful celebration of the creativity and talent we have here in Canning and across Western Australia, and this year’s exhibition is another fantastic example of the diversity of our arts community,” Mayor Hall said.

“Increasing the capacity of the Awards from 200 to 250 entries this year has allowed even more artists to have their work exhibited and recognised, from talented young artists through to emerging and established creatives.”

“We’re also delighted to recognise the contribution of the Canning Arts Group through two new awards this year, providing another opportunity to celebrate artistic excellence within our community.”

“Congratulations to all of our 2026 award winners and every artist who entered this year. Their creativity, skill and willingness to share their work are what make the Canning Art Awards such a special event.”

President of Canning Arts Group, Glenys Lightbody, says “Canning Art Group has been a presence in the City of Canning for over 50 years, has a long association with the Canning Art Awards from the earliest days”.  

While the awards have been presented, the community now has the opportunity to experience the artworks for themselves, with the free Canning Art Awards exhibition open at Riverton Library from Friday 25 September to Saturday 3 October.

Many of the artworks on display are available to purchase, giving visitors the opportunity to support Western Australian artists while taking home an original piece.

Visitors can also have their say by voting for their favourite artwork in the People’s Choice Award, with the winner to be announced on Monday 12 October.

The Canning Arts Group would like to extend an invitation to anyone who would like to be part of this welcoming and inclusive group, to learn about their programs such as painting, pottery and kiln-fired glass. 

For more information about the exhibition, visit www.canning.wa.gov.au/artawards26