Melbourne artist Kate Lewis, who was runner-up last year, reapplied in 2026 to claim Shepparton Art Museum’s prestigious award, with local artists Philip Hickingbotham and Creagh Manning named runners-up.
A 2022 Master of Contemporary Art graduate from the Victorian College of the Arts, Ms Lewis works primarily in expressive oil painting, underpinned by a process-driven use of recycled and found materials.
Her practice explores the tension within Australia’s landscapes — the vast beauty alongside histories of deep loss — while weaving through her own reflections on love, grief and a sense of foreignness to place.
As this year’s recipient, Ms Lewis will receive a $5000 cash prize and a $5000 scholarship stipend to undertake a three-month residency in SAM’s onsite studio from March 3 to June 3.
During her time in Shepparton, she plans to focus on the region’s wetland ecosystems, particularly Gemmill Swamp and Reedy Swamp, responding to their distinctive light, flora and seasonal rhythms.
“I cannot wait to fully immerse myself into the impressive SAM community and to be painting in collaboration with the surrounding grass and wetlands as our seasons change,” Ms Lewis said.
Runners-up Mr Hickingbotham and Mr Manning will each receive a $2500 cash prize in recognition of the time and commitment invested in developing their applications.
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