Celebrations of local talent at Hardys Archie Prize

It was a night of colour, creativity, and community spirit as locals gathered to celebrate the annual Hardys Archie Prize, the Coast’s tongue-in-cheek spoof of the prestigious Archibald Portrait Prize.

The event, hosted by the Hardys Bay Community Club and driven by the ever-energetic Garage Girls, has grown into one of the most anticipated fun fixtures on the local arts calendar, a night where serious talent meets a light-hearted sense of fun.

This year’s honours went to Georgina Macken, Melissa Johnston, and Jill Danks, with the coveted People’s Choice Award, always a crowd favourite, going to Ed Berti.

Georgina Mackan’s large and intricate watercolour on paper work was of John Cornish, who commissioned the work for his children.

Local businesses once again rallied behind the event, with Ray White Killcare sponsoring the night and providing a feast courtesy of Hardy’s Hideaway, while Fat Goose Cafe and Mouch Inside contributed the all-important winners’ prizes.

Guests were also treated to a lively set by TRIUM Band, ensuring the night was as much a celebration as it was an exhibition.

Judges Elizabeth, Hamish, and Jordan were praised for their thoughtful deliberations in what was one of the strongest years for entries.

But it was the artists and their subjects who stole the show, filling the room with portraits that celebrated the quirks, stories, and characters that make the Coast unique.

A club spokesperson credited the Garage Girls for keeping the spirit of the Hardy’s Archie alive.

“This event started as a playful nod to the Archibald Prize, but it’s grown into something really special for our community,” they said.

“It’s proof that art can be fun, inclusive, and still incredibly moving.”

With another successful year in the books, planning is already underway for next year’s Hardys Archie, promising more laughs, more local talent, and another reminder that the Central Coast’s creative scene is thriving.