The Michael Beazer Works on Paper Prize is an acquisitive $3000 award, generously supported by Michael and Margaret Beazer.
The prize celebrates excellence in works on paper and paper-based sculpture, with the winning artwork acquired into the East Gippsland Art Gallery’s permanent collection.
The gallery is delighted by the diversity and quality of submissions received this year.
From nearly 200 entries, a shortlist of 29 finalists has been selected by Michael Beazer, with these works to be exhibited at the gallery.
The installed exhibition will be judged by Crystal Stubbs, director of East Gippsland Art Gallery, and Frank Mesaric, artist and winner of the 2024 EGAG WRAP.
The 29 finalists from across the country are Tania Babic, Joanna Briscomb, Tom Buckland, Ju-Yuen Chew, Trudy Clutterbok, Julie Danilov, Chelle Destefano, Mark Dober, Stu Doherty, Michael Donnelly, Naomi Droll, Lesley Duxbury, James Farrar, Stephen Glover, Maureen Harley, Jade Kahle, Adelaide Macpherson, Shane McGowan, Cecile Michel, Emily Murch, Janice Oliver, Kirsi Reinikka, Ruby Rigg-Smith, Al Roberts, Margaret Salt, Elisabeth Scott, Andrew Tan, Cleo Wilkinson, Christabel Wigley.
The gallery is looking forward to celebrating this year’s finalists and their contributions to the vibrant world of paper-based art.
In the Sideshow Gallery and the Vault,
local artist Loquii presents Freudenfreude/
Love Is an Act of Resistance.
Inspired by freudenfreude – a German word meaning joy from another’s happiness – the paintings explore how social narratives and online echo chambers narrow empathy and amplify fear.
“By contrast, love resists division; it asks us to listen, stay open, and recognise complexity, turning difference into connection, and to see the god in everyone,” says Loquii.
The works combine acrylic, drawing and collage with symbolic materials – thread, text, photographs, maps, and more – creating a charged dialogue between viewer and artwork.
Head to the gallery for these exhibition openings and the winner announcement at 5.30pm on Friday, January 30 2026.
All are welcome. Free entry.
Exhibition dates: Friday, January 30 – March 14 2026
