Two Coast artists take out top awards in art prize

Two Central Coast artists have won major awards in the prestigious 2025 Hornsby Art Prize.

Rachel Lucas of Killcare won the Sculpture Award for her sculpture The Survivor, a stoneware ceramic, with glaze and copper wire.

Claire Tozer of Yattalunga won the Drawing Award for her photographic print Flow, an ink pen and pencil on paper artwork that is inspired by her local area.

“Hand built to a complete form, torn apart and partially reconstructed with copper wire, The Survivor expresses faith in human endurance despite the ravages of time,” Lucas said.

“It balances mass against negative space, that which survives against that which has been lost, to evoke perfection, still fully realised, seen clearly in the mind’s eye.”

Tozer said living near the ocean, lagoons, rivers and bushland on Darkinjung Country inspired her.

“There is so much to paint and draw here,” she said.

“After recent rains, the clouds parted, and the sky and water were bright again.

“It was such a joy to see I wanted to draw a watery landscape in blue.”

Entries to the categories of painting, drawing, printmaking, photography and sculpture competed for a total prize pool valued at $23,000, with the major prize worth $10,000.

This year’s judging panel were Director of Gosford Regional Gallery Tim Braham and artist Stephen Hall.

Hosted by Hornsby Council in partnership with the Hornsby Art Society, the Hornsby Art Prize is a national art prize and exhibition promoting and celebrating outstanding Australian contemporary art.

The winners were presented their awards by Hornsby Shire Councillor Janelle McIntosh at a special ceremony at the Wallarobba Arts and Cultural Centre recently.

“Thank you to all the artists who entered the Hornsby Art Prize and to the judges who had the difficult job of selecting the winners,” Hornsby Mayor Warren Waddell said.

“Congratulations to our winner, award recipients and finalists.

“Hornsby Shire Council is committed to supporting arts and culture and it is fantastic to come together and celebrate local and Australia-wide talent.”

The exhibition is being held at the Wallarobba Arts and Cultural Centre until September 28, Tuesday through to Sunday, 10am to 4pm.

Entry is free.

For more information, visit https://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/artprize