Source: Government of Western Australia
Shani Gelmi has been awarded the top honour at the City of Wanneroo Community Art Awards, receiving the grand prize for her work on paper; It’s time to air the dirty laundry.
Shani was among 6 talented artists recognised in the 2026 Community Art Awards, sharing in a total prize pool of $20,000.
Over 130 finalists have been handpicked from more than 330 entries this year, with the artworks exhibiting at the Wanneroo Regional Gallery until 25 July.
The awards also saw an updated prize structure, celebrating a wide range of artistic practice.
Mayor Linda Aitken said the City has made some thoughtful changes to the awards this year to better support artists, including the City’s first dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art category, a refined Young Artist Award open to ages 16 to 21, and an emerging artist category.
“We’re proud to host this exhibition each year, and this time we have thought carefully about how we are celebrating local talent and providing emerging artists the opportunity to showcase their art,” she said.
“Congratulations to all winners and artists exhibiting this year, and thank you to our selection panel, judges and guest curator for their time and expertise.”
The selection panel praised the diversity of works selected this year.
“The selection panellists were thrilled to see strong representation from each category, especially early career and youth entrants,” the panel said.
“Of particular note was the broad variety of materials, processes and material experimentation, alongside artists exploring their connection to place, nature, and relationship to Boorloo and surrounding regions.”
The annual awards remain a highlight of the City’s cultural calendar, providing an opportunity to showcase the talents of Western Australia’s artistic community. Established in 2001, the exhibition continues to attract a high calibre of entries each year.
Visitors can take part in the judging of the People’s Choice Award by nominating their favourite artwork, with the winner to be announced by mid-August. Visitors can also explore the exhibition via a virtual 3D walkthrough.
Visit the exhibition on until Saturday 25 July 2025 at the Wanneroo Regional Gallery, open Wednesdays to Saturdays, 10am to 4pm.
For more information, visit wanneroo.wa.gov.au/artawards
Winners
City of Wanneroo Open Award (acquisitive) $10,000
Artist: Shani Gelmi
Title: It’s time to air the dirty laundry
Medium: Fabriano Rosapina, card and carbon
Category: Works on Paper
Judges’ comments: The work is bold and striking at first glance and contains layering and subtlety upon closer inspection. We felt the work has an accomplished use of shadow and line and is conceptually strong, holding multiple stories.
First Nations Award $2,500
Artist: Greg Barr
Title: My Brother’s Trucks
Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
Category: Painting
Judges’ comments: The judges loved the cohesive colour pallet and felt the gestural movement of the mark making reflects the subject matter. It presents a contemporary retelling of journeys.
Best Sculpture Award $2,500
Artist: Lisa Principe
Title: Fragile Strength
Medium: Glazed Porcelain (framed)
Judges’ comments: The judges felt this work pushes the conceptual boundaries of sculpture with obvious links to painting whilst using a sculptural medium. The chance inherent in the firing process show technically proficient use of glaze. The organic shape reflects the landscape the work speaks to. The fragility and strength of the ceramic medium fits with the artists intent.
Best City of Wanneroo Local Resident Award $2,000
Artist: Gina Kitchen
Title: Find Some Peace
Media: Acrylic on Board
Category: Painting
Judges’ comments: A quietly confident painting. There was an obvious enjoyment of the painting and medium. The artist was clearly lost in process and appears to be mediative which allows the viewer to be lost in the intricate layers of the work.
Emerging Artist Award $1,500
Artist: Renee Doropoulos
Title: Migrations of the Mati #2
Media: Pigment inkjet print
Category: Photo, Film and Digital Media
Judges’ comments: The rippling effect of the Mati symbol speaks of outward moving, layers, dilution, shadows, and the relationship of the core to the external. There are many readings in this work.
Young Artist Award $1,000
Artist: Bell Goodridge
Title: B
Media: Ballpoint pen and embroidery on paper
Category: Works on Paper
Judges’ comments: A very accomplished and confident drawing. We enjoyed the intimate and personal aspect. The use of textiles was a thoughtful extension of the drawing process.