Heart and Art: Young Queenslanders Follow a Special Legacy at the Archie Awards

BRISBANE – The spirit of a remarkable woman was alive and well as Queensland’s brightest young artists took centre stage at this year’s Young Archie Awards. The annual competition, which runs in parallel with the prestigious Archibald Prize, saw budding painters from across the state push their creative boundaries—not just for glory, but to honour a cherished mentor figure who left an indelible mark on the arts community.

This year’s finalists, all aged between 5 and 18, were tasked with creating portraits of someone significant in their lives, a theme that dovetailed beautifully with the competition’s tribute to a late patron whose passion for nurturing young talent was legendary. The regional judges were visibly moved by the depth of emotion on display, with many entries capturing the quiet strength of grandparents, the fierce support of siblings, or the guiding hand of a beloved teacher.

In the 15–18 age category, a stunning portrait from a Brisbane student clinched the top prize, praised for its masterful use of light and shadow that seemed to breathe life into the canvas. The 10–14 division saw a Gold Coast painter celebrated for a vibrant depiction of a local sports coach, while the youngest category, for artists aged 5–9, was won by a charmingly candid piece from a Sunshine Coast youngster that had the judges smiling through tears.

“This is more than a competition. It’s a community saying thank you to a woman who taught us that art is about connection,” said a spokesperson for the Queensland Art Gallery, which hosted the awards. “These kids aren’t just chasing a trophy; they’re building a legacy of heart.”

The winning works will now be displayed alongside the main Archibald entries, ensuring that from the Brisbane River to the suburban galleries of Queensland, the art—and the memory it honours—will not be forgotten.