The awards were judged by Dr Clyde Ronan and ClubMulwala CEO, Andrew Patterson, who willingly acknowledged his lack of expertise.
But when coupled with the more knowledgeable Dr Ronan, it became clear they were united in their choices, proving that art and beauty need little theoretical understanding to be fully appreciated.
Art appreciator and collector, Dr Ronan is patron of the Yarrawonga Mulwala Artists Association and described how he and Mr Patterson gave each piece their best attention and compared notes before making their final decisions.
Dr Ronan described Carol Moule’s depiction of the January 26 bushfire as “a beautifully executed, vibrantly coloured painting that actually tells a story … a narrative”.
But Best in Show for 2026, and winner of the inaugural Tim Redfern Award, was Jeanette Graham, from Strathmerton, for her painting Hydrangeas and Cosmos.
“As soon as I locked eyes on it, it just did something to the inside of me,” Dr Ronan said.
“I looked again at all the others, but I couldn't find one that looked better.”
Ms Graham was thrilled to win this year’s award.
She said not all paintings transcribe from what’s in her head to the canvas, but she was “really happy” with this painting once she’d finished it.
“Painting can be a bit of a therapy,” she said.
“You can forget everyone and everyone else while you are doing it.”
After the presentation of awards, more than 100 guests heard from guest speaker, Tim Bowtell, the creator of the exquisite silo art in our surrounding villages.
The exhibition is on display in the foyer at ClubMulwala until November 15, with all pieces available to be purchased.
2026 Art Show Winners
• Tim Redfern Best in Show – Jeanette Graham for ‘Hydrangeas and Cosmos’.
• Best Canvas – Carol Moule for ‘January 26’.
• Best Paper / Material – Fiona Hackett for ‘Spot me Gold’.
• New and Emerging Artists – Joy Watt for ‘Star Gazing’.
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