Local artists' revel at the opportunity to showcase their works
Published on 22 September 2026
The 13th Annual Western Downs Regional Artists’ Exhibition, Ritual and Revelry, officially opened at Gallery 107 in Dalby on Saturday 5 September, celebrating the creativity, talent, and cultural contribution of artists from across the Western Downs.
Featuring works from 35 local artists competing for a share of the $3,800 prize pool, the exhibition explores the connection between everyday rituals and moments of celebration, supporting Council’s commitment to fostering a vibrant, connected, and creative community.
Western Downs Regional Council Spokesperson for Community and Cultural Development Councillor Peter Saxelby said the exhibition highlighted the important role the arts play in bringing people together, strengthening community identity, and showcasing the region’s creative talent.
"This year's theme invited artists to reflect on the rituals that bind us and the moments of revelry that set us free, and the result is a captivating exhibition that explores what it means to be human,” Cr Saxelby said.
“The exhibition has been expertly curated by Dr Alexandra Lawson and Council’s arts team, featuring works from 35 artists who have created insightful, personal and inspiring pieces that showcase the remarkable creativity found throughout the Western Downs.
“Congratulations to all of our 2026 prize winners and commendation recipients, whose exceptional works were recognised by the judges across painting, works on paper, photography, new media and three-dimensional art categories. The People’s Choice Award will be announced at the conclusion of the exhibition.”
"I encourage residents and visitors to experience Ritual and Revelry for themselves before 28 October and cast their vote for the People's Choice Award while supporting our local arts community."
Cr Saxelby said the long-term success of the Regional Artists Exhibition could be attributed to a strong, vibrant partnership between Council and local art galleries.
"The continued success of the Regional Artists’ Exhibition is a testament to the vibrancy, strength, and passion of the arts and cultural community across the Western Downs,” he said.
"It's through strong partnerships between Council, Dogwood Crossing, Gallery 107 in Dalby, Lapunyah Art Gallery in Chinchilla, the Miles community gallery committee, sponsors, volunteers, and artists that events like this can continue to thrive and enrich our region."
Congratulations to the 2026 winners:
PAINTING
First Prize: Regina Hyland – The tea
Second Prize: Melody Walker – Sorry, I have plans
WORKS ON PAPER
First Prize: Kristen Flynn – Biomorphic goat face
Second Prize: Sarah Davis – Lucid landscapes: The garden
3D WORK
First Prize: Guy Breay – What goes around comes around
Second Prize: Michelle Black – Notes from a tree: eucalyptus
PHOTOGRAPHY & NEW MEDIA ART
First Prize: Katie Robertson – Returning to self
Second Prize: Kristen Flynn – Self-portrait paint face
YOUTH MERIT AWARD
Charlie Mulligan – The absence
JUDGE’S COMMENDATIONS
Painting: Lillian Stevenson – Friends and spirits
Works on Paper: Emily Bramich – Riding high
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
To be announced at the conclusion of the exhibition.
The 2026 Ritual and Revelry exhibition was sponsored by AAA Bulk Haulage, Andersens Dalby, Black Toyota Dalby, Dalby Training Centre, Minister for Local Government and Water and Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Hon Ann Leahy, Murray’s Art and Framing, Origin Energy, Snap Print Solutions, Sundown Printing and Western Downs Town and Country.
For more information on the 2026 Regional Artists Exhibition visit wdrc.au/ritual-revelry.