2026 SAM Selects artist Fran O’Neill. Photo courtesy of the artist.
Many were called, few were chosen.
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Shepparton Art Museum has announced Fran O’Neill and Simeon Ayres as next year’s Community Gallery exhibitors, selected from 23 applications received through an open callout.
O’Neill will feature in SAM Selects, while Ayres takes up the SAM Spotlight program.
In March 2026, O’Neill will present On the Move, a suite of large-scale abstract oil paintings in SAM’s Hugh D.T. Williamson Community Gallery.
Known for her swirling gestures and mineral-inspired palettes, the Wangaratta-born, Cheshunt-based painter brings decades of experience from national and international exhibitions.
“My paintings are, in many ways, a reflection of the landscape and community that surround me — a response to the beauty, character and sense of place that I’m lucky to call home,” O’Neill said.
“I’m excited to work alongside Caroline Esbenshade and Danny Lacy to experience how the gallery environment will elevate my work, and to meet members of the community who make this region so unique and special.”
For SAM Spotlight, emerging artist Simeon Ayres will develop Bringing Odysseus Home — a new body of visual and written work reimagining Homer’s The Odyssey through the lens of the Strathbogie Ranges.
Ayres’ practice uses maps and stylised landscapes to explore how people navigate the seen and unseen.
The two artists differ in technique and expression, yet both offer deeply immersive experiences, according to SAM curator of community Caroline Esbenshade.
“I think audiences will really resonate with O’Neill’s jewel-toned pieces,” she said.
“And I’m looking forward to working with Ayres over the coming months and seeing the artworks that result from his exploration of recounting The Odyssey through his practice.”
2026 SAM Spotlight artist Simeon Ayres. Photo courtesy of the artist.
Photo by
Helga Salwe
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