Entries are open for the 2026 Surf Coast Community Arts Calendar competition and Torquay artist Emily Wright assures local creatives that taking the time to make a submission can bring welcome rewards.
Emily entered the competition for the first time last year with no expectations but landed the prized front cover position as winner of the People's Choice award.
"It was a super great experience, and it was lovely having a lot of people then recognise me from that – having seen my work in the Arts Calendar Exhibition, or once they had received the printed calendar," Emily said.
"It was very encouraging and a big confidence boost. It highlighted what my artwork itself was about, my love for our community was then supported by our community."
"We've got a really great community that supports local art and artists and the calendar is an ideal way for people to get their work out there and share it with the community, and have it celebrated by the community."
Emily's linocut work was titled 'Surf Coast Community' and expressed her affection for her adopted Surf Coast Shire home.
Submissions for the 2026 calendar competition are open to Surf Coast Shire artists via surfcoast.vic.gov.au/calendarcomp until 21 September across the categories Open 2D, Open 3D, Youth and Child.
All works will be displayed during a calendar exhibition at Anglesea Art Space during October.
A panel of judges will select one winning artwork for each of the calendar's 12 months, and the work to feature on the calendar cover will be decided by a people's choice popular vote carried out during the exhibition and online.
Mayor Mike Bodsworth encouraged artists of all ages to consider entering.
"Aspiring and established artists alike colour the months of our community arts calendar, and the breadth of their work is always truly impressive," Mayor Bodsworth said.
"The mediums featuring in the 2025 calendar range from ceramics and fibre art to painting, linocut and textiles, demonstrating its accessibility to artists from all streams.
"While being featured in the calendar is a highlight for some, the annual exhibition is a wonderful opportunity for creatives of all abilities to showcase their work, connect with audiences and celebrate the vibrancy of our creative community – bringing beautiful works together and gaining recognition and appreciation along the way."
Each of the 13 selected artists will receive $300 as well as valuable exposure during the exhibition and hanging in hundreds of homes and workplaces.
