EJ Mantova Art Prize

The EJ Mantova Memorial Art Prize has been held in conjunction with the Bellingen Show since the early 1970’s and pays homage to Ernest John Mantova, Bellingen’s first recognized professional artist who worked in the area from 1931 to 1951.

Entries for the Mantova open annually in February. The Official Opening is held in early April, and the submitted works are exhibited at BGFS for 4 weeks following.

EJ Mantova Art Prize 2026

The 2026 EJ Mantova Art Prize opening at Bellingen Gallery and Framing Studio brought together the best of the local arts community. Our sincere thanks go to judges Annie Talve and Michael Sprott, along with our generous sponsors and dedicated volunteers who made the afternoon a success. The exhibition showcased a rich and inspiring collection of art.

Prize Winners

  • Marie Warwick Memorial Open Prize 1st — Charlotte Craib, The Italian Vase 2nd — Richard Sampson, Edgeland

  • Landscape Prize 1st — Tony Carlon, Bellinger Valley Sunrise 2nd — Edward Cameron, Bellinger River from Fernmount

  • Miniatures Prize 1st — Dawn Lewis-McDonald, Artist in Residence 2nd — Gregory Coats, Awaiting your Return

  • Sculpture/3D Prize 1st — Reggy Moir, The Odd Couple 2nd — Linda Coomber, Build Your Nests, Weave Your Webs

Come and See for Yourself

The exhibition runs for the whole month — call into the Gallery to view all the outstanding works and cast your vote for the People's Choice Award!

2026 Key dates

  • Entries open: Monday 9 February

  • Entries close: Monday 16 March

  • Exhibits delivered: Tuesday 07 April

  • Official opening & winners announced: Saturday 11 April

  • Exhibition dates: Saturday 11 April – Sunday 10 May

  • Exhibits collected: Monday 11 May, 10am - 12 midday

how to enter

  • Preferred entry method is by Showdayonline. For instructions on how to create a Showdayonline account, see here.

OR

The EJ Mantova Memorial Art Prize is sponsored by: Affirmations Publishing House, Bellingen Community Arts Council, Bellingen Gallery & Framing Studio, Ali Brown & Roger Burke and Jenny Diamond.

Thank you to all our sponsors for making this event possible.