FAQ
Do I have to be a member to enter? No – but non-members are limited
How many entries can I have? 11 if entering the Alex awards, 2 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
Entry Period:
15 March to Midnight Sunday 19 July 2026
Web Gallery:
After exhibition close on 23 August 2026
Dates & Venue:
11 -23 August 2026, at Matthew Flinders Gallery
191 Sunderland Drive, Banksia Beach, Bribie Island, Qld.
Awards Announcements:
Saturday 15th August 2026 , from 1:00 – 3:00 pm (announcement of winners).
Entry Categories
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 two (2) paintings per category.
Alexandra Awards: Open only to PSA members who have not previously won first prize in any pastel competition.
Theme for 2026: "Ruby"
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 two entries per category and enter the Alexandra Award, non-members can submit two.
Fees & Submissions
Early bird fee will apply to PSA members and PSA non-members (different rates) from 1 March 2026 until 12.00 midnight A.E.S.T., Sunday 31 May 2026.
Full entry fee for each will apply from 1 June 2026.
PSA Members:
$20 per entry - Early bird fee
$25 per entry - Full entry fee
(May submit up to two entries in each of five categories. Limit 10 entries.)
Non-PSA Members:
$48 per entry - Early bird fee
$60 per entry - Full entry fee
(Limit of 2 entries in different categories)
Prizes & Judging
40th Anniversary Best of Show:
$2,000 (judged before the Category Awards; the winning work will not proceed to Category judging).
Category Awards:
People - “The Bella Award” – $1,000 (donated by The Diefenbach Family)
2nd prize: $500
3rd prize: $300
Animals
1st prize: $1,000
2nd prize: $500
3rd prize: $300
Scapes
1st prize: Softpastels.com.au Scapes Award – $1,000 cash
2nd prize: $500
3rd prize: $300
Still Life
1st prize:
Arthouse Direct Still Life Award– $1,000 in art products from Arthouse Direct
2nd prize: $500
3rd prize: $300
Abstract
1st prize:
Art Spectrum Abstract Award – $1,000 in Art Spectrum products of choice
2nd prize: $500
3rd prize: $300
PSA Pastellist of the Year:
$2,000 (selected from Category winners).
Alexandra Awards:
1st prize $600 | 2nd prize $200 | 3rd prize $100.
People’s Choice Award:
$150 gift certificate.
Highly Commended and Merit certificates may be awarded at the judges’ discretion.
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.