FAQ
Do I have to be a member to enter? No – but non-members are limited
How many entries can I have? 5, 4 if entering the Alex awards, 3 if a non-
member
If I have significantly changed a zoom painting, can I enter it in the Annual Awards? YES
If I win a prize in the set subject comp, can I enter it again in the Annual Awards? NO
If I have a painting of a copyrighted photo, can I enter it into the Annual Awards – fully attributed. NO
Are there further rules to comply with? YES
Exhibition Overview
Dates & Venue:
11 -23 August 2026, at Matthew Flinders Gallery
191 Sunderland Drive, Banksia Beach, Bribie Island, Qld.
Awards Ceremony:
Saturday 15th August 2026 , from 1:00 – 3:00 pm (announcement of winners).
Entry Period:
1 March to 5.00 p.m. Monday 20 July 2026
Entry Categories & Options
Exhibition (E)
Framed works for in-person display.
Online (O):
High-resolution image submissions displayed digitally during the event.
Categories:
People: Portrait or Figures
Animals: Domestic animals or Wildlife
Scapes: Landscape, Waterscape, or Cityscape
Still Life: Arrangement of inanimate objects, floral/foliage, or interiors
Abstract: Non-representational art utilising shapes, colours and forms
Entrants may not submit more than one (1) painting per category.
Conditions for Entry
Medium:
Works must be at least 75% soft pastel.
Originality:
All pieces must be original and created within the last two years.
Membership Requirement:
PSA members may submit up to five entries, non-members can submit two.
Alexandra Awards:
Open only to PSA members who have not previously won first prize in any pastel competition.
Theme for 2025: "Hidden Patterns"
Fees & Submissions
Members:
$25 per entry, up to five submissions.
Non-Members:
$60 per entry, up to two entries.
Prizes & Judging
Separate prize schedules for Exhibition, Online entries, and Alexandra Awards.
Judging by experienced art professionals.
Prize List:
People: The Bella Award - $1000 donated by the Diefenbach Family
Animals: $1000
Scapes: $1000 – Sponsor: softpastels.com.au
Still Life: $1000 in art product – Sponsor: S&S trading as arthousedirect.com.au
Abstract: $1000 in art product – Sponsor: Art Spectrum Australia artspectrum.com.au
2nd prize in People, Animals, Scapes, Still Life: $500
2nd prize in Abstracts: $250 plus a High-Resolution Digital Art capture of your artwork for a giclee reproduction with sponsor Art House Reproductions valued at $250 .
Alexandra Awards: 1st prize $600; 2nd prize $200; 3rd prize $100 – donated by Barbara Alexandra.
Pastellist of the Year 2025: $500
People’s Choice Award: $150 art product - Sponsor: Arthouse Northside – arthousenorthside.com.au
Prize List for Online:
1st prize in each category: $300 each
Sales & Commission
All artworks are for sale with a 28% commission being paid to the Bribie Island Community Art Society and 2% to the PSA.
Important Reminders
Members will be asked to roster for daily pastel painting
demonstrations during the event.