Whether you’re an experienced painter, an emerging young artist or simply someone who enjoys putting brush to canvas, the Evans Arts Council Inc. is inviting creatives of all ages to enter its 2026 Art Competition and Sale, returning to the iconic Mount Panorama Volunteers Pavilion from 11-13 September.
With more than $3,600 in prize money on offer and acclaimed artist Jane Patterson appearing as this year’s guest artist, organisers are encouraging entrants to start working on their masterpieces now ahead of the 28 August entry deadline.
The competition’s premier section is the Open Category, themed “The Bathurst I Love.” Artists are invited to capture the places that make Bathurst unique, including its buildings, bridges, parks, landscapes and streetscapes, provided the subject is an identifiable location within 20 kilometres of the Bathurst CBD. Works can be created in watercolour, acrylic, oil, pastel, mixed media or drawing. The category offers $700 for first place, $350 for second place, $200 for third place, plus seven Highly Commended awards of $50 each.
The same theme applies to the Miniature Category, with prizes of $200, $100 and $50 awarded to the top three entries.
Young artists aged 15 to 18 years are encouraged to enter the Scholarship Category, also themed “The Bathurst I Love”, where they can compete for $650 first prize and $250 second prize.
The Junior Art Category, open to artists aged 5 to 14 years, welcomes entries on any subject in any medium, with a $200 prize for the winner.
Artists working beyond the Bathurst theme can enter the President’s Award, open to any subject in any medium, including digital and fibre art. Entries in this category must be framed and compete for a $300 first prize, along with two Highly Commended awards of $50 each.
Entry fees remain affordable at $10 each for the first three entries, with any additional works costing just $5 each. Entry forms and fees must reach Evans Arts Council by Friday, 28 August.
The annual exhibition has become a highlight of Bathurst’s arts calendar, showcasing the remarkable talent of local and regional artists and offering visitors the opportunity to view and purchase original works.
Evans Arts Council also continues to support local creatives through workshops, including a Landscape Painting Workshop on 5 July and a Floral or Contemporary Mixed Media Workshop on 26 July. Workshop bookings, competition entry forms and further information are available via the Evans Arts Council Bathurst Facebook page – facebook.com/EvansArtsCouncil – while enquiries can also be directed to David at davidy131050@gmail.com.
The 2026 Art Competition and Sale is proudly supported by Bathurst Regional Council, Bathurst RSL and Bathurst Panthers.
