BRAVE Group Exhibition
Celebrating what it means to have courage in creativity, our BRAVE Group show is all about taking the time to acknowledge our artists' ability to be brave. To take a leap of faith, to trust themselves and their art, and to paint with their soul – exposing their inner selves, viewpoints and passion to the world. It's also about acknowledging the bravery in collecting art – in seeing a piece that truly speaks to you, and following that pull, that voice that tells you to take a chance on something loved...
2026 Unearthed Art Prize Finalist Exhibition
This years' finalists are in, and we're celebrating some amazing new talent. With 26 finalist pieces on display in the gallery, its truly a showcase of the emerging art scene in Australia, with a broad range of subjects, styles and expressions. Make sure you add your voice in support of emerging artist journeys – vote in our Peoples Choice Award, or maybe even pop into the gallery and collect a piece today.
Gallery Director Philippa has some words to share on the Opening Night:
"Welcome, and thank you so much for joining us. I’m thrilled to welcome you to Art to Art’s first exhibition in our new gallery space, here in Hawthorn.
It’s wonderful to see so many familiar faces alongside new friends — your support makes this night special and we really appreciate this time with you.
Before we get started, I’d like to acknowledge the incredible team behind the gallery and tonights event: Erica, Barbara, Dana, Daniela, Estella, Amaya, Pearl, Brad and Jack. Also to Carmen and Adrian for capturing the night. To Paul from Wooden Spoon catering, and the good music vibes by Nic. Thank you.
Tonight we’re celebrating Brave, our first group exhibition of the year. When we moved into this space back in June, it took courage. It was a big leap of faith. And as we were thinking about a theme for this show, I kept coming back to that word — brave. Because every artist knows what it feels like to stand in front of a blank canvas. To begin. To push through doubt. To share a part of their soul. To be vulnerable enough to say, this is me.
That’s bravery.
And it’s brave for collectors too — trusting your instincts, following that quiet pull when a work speaks to you, and deciding to make it yours. So if something speaks to you, take it home — before someone else does.
And speaking of bravery, I’m so excited to introduce the Unearthed Art Prize. This year marks the 7th year of the prize, showcasing emerging talent from across Australia. For many, it’s a first step into what can become an incredible art career — and we’ve seen so many journeys begin here. We’re very proud to play a small part in that.
Our finalists come from all over the country. Many are exhibiting with us for the first time, and a few are returning — congratulations to you all. And I’d especially like to acknowledge our youngest finalist, Mimi Callan, just 16 years old, and Gordon Carter, our eldest finalist at the wonderfully youthful age of 77.
There are 3 prizes: The Main Prize, judged by our stable of artists, with the winner joining our stable. The People’s Choice Award, judged by you, please vote here. The Craftsmanship Award, judged by our framers United Measures, with the winner receiving a $500 voucher to spend on framing.
All winners will be announced on 24th March via our socials. Tonight each of the 26 works are for sale so we ask that you support them and invest in and up and coming star. The exhibition runs until 20th March, with sold works available for collection after that.
Do you know what gets me up in the mornings? Besides a hot chai latte…
It’s this space. It’s this place. It’s the exchange between artists and collectors. It’s the joy, the smiles, the conversations that happen right here.
My passion and my purpose, is bringing people together. Building a community. Celebrating art made by the human hand. There is something incredibly powerful about standing in front of a work and knowing someone poured their time, their heart, their imagination into it.
And then watching it find its home. Finally, I want to sincerely thank Departed Spirits again for serving up the best cocktails and creating such a wonderful vibe. To all the artists — thank you for your work, your bravery, and your support. To our master of ceremonies — Anna Gowers from Art Matters. To Brillo Furniture — for elevating the space with your beautiful collection. To Studio McKenna — for trusting us with your stunning candles and essential oils.
And thank you to everyone here for celebrating art with us tonight. It’s a privilege to share this space, these incredible works, and this moment with you.
Enjoy the exhibition, enjoy the night, and thank you for supporting us, our artists, and our gallery."
– Philippa Demase, Gallery Director
