The 2019 Member’s Choice Award winner De Gillet Cox and her artwork ‘Into the Swell’. Photo: Supplied.
Artists across the bayside and beyond are being invited to paint, print and sculpt the sea, as Wynnum Manly Yacht Club (WMYC) prepares to transform its waterfront clubhouse into a vibrant winter gallery. Opening 19 June, with a celebratory Gala Awards Night on 27 June, the 2026 WMYC Art Awards promise an inspiring blend of creativity, community and coastal atmosphere.
Entries open Friday 1 May, welcoming both emerging and established artists to submit works that explore the irresistible theme Nautical: the sea, the boats, the birds, the light, the weather, and the stories that unfold along the foreshore. Artworks will be displayed during normal WMYC and Captain’s Parrot Café hours, with Friday and Sunday viewing sessions adding to the exhibition’s relaxed, bayside charm.
The WMYC Art Awards have a strong legacy of elevating local talent. Wynnum artist Jo Higgins, winner of the 2019 competition, went on to become a finalist for the prestigious Gallipoli Memorial Club’s national art prize – a testament to the platform the exhibition provides. The 2026 program aims to build on that momentum, offering artists genuine exposure, a professionally curated exhibition, and generous cash prizes across multiple categories, including the ever popular People’s Choice.
Curator Randell Armitage says the event blends the feel of a gallery with the warmth of a community clubhouse, bringing artists, sailors and locals together in a shared celebration of creativity. Commodore John Vandermaat agrees, noting that the Art Awards capture the welcoming spirit of Wynnum Manly and offer a unique way for the public to support exceptional artistic work.
Artists are encouraged to submit their nominations early; entries close on June 5. For further details, please get in touch with the Wynnum Manly Yacht Club on 3393 5708 or email [email protected].
