The highlight of the Victorian Artists Society's exhibition calendar sees peer-voted finalists across three Seasonal Select exhibitions present works for consideration in the $17,000 Hylton Mackley Artist of the Year Award.

Sponsored by the Mackley Family, this award is named after Hylton Mackley AM (Hon) FVAS, who served as Treasurer from 2016-2023. Working alongside the President at the time, Eileen Mackley AM VAS FVAS, he was instrumental to the restoration of the Heritage Victoria listed building, preserving the galleries that have housed artists' work since 1874.

On Saturday night at the official opening, the President of the Victorian Artists Society, Lucy Maddox announced T.J. Murphy VAS as the winner of the Hylton Mackley Artist of the Year Award, sponsored by the Mackley Family.

The prize money for 2025 is $17,000. In addition to the prize money the Artist of the Year receives a framed certificate, and an invitation to hold a solo exhibition in the Cato Gallery.

T.J. Murphy VAS, winner of the Hylton Mackley Artist of the Year Award with Eileen Mackley AM VAS FVAS at the official opening of the Hylton Mackley Artist of the Year 2025

Eileen Mackley AM VAS FVAS speaking at the official opening of the Hylton Mackley Artist of the Year Exhibition

The Members’ Choice Award

Clive Sinclair VAS FVAS won the Members’ Choice Award. This is a $500 prize awarded to the artist gaining the most votes from the members throughout the year.

The Noel Waite AO Exhibitors’ Choice Award

Swathi Madike won the Noel Waite AO Exhibitors’ Choice Award. This is a $500 prize awarded to the artist gaining the most votes from their fellow finalists in the Artist of the Year Exhibition.

Presentation of Fellowship to Gwendoline Krumins VAS

Fellowships may be awarded to exhibiting members of the society for outstanding and /or significant achievement or contribution in the practice of art.

Signatory Awards

Signatory Awards are awarded to artists who have been selected to exhibit in VAS Select exhibitions twelve times or more during a period of five consecutive years. Signatory Awards were announced for It Hao Pheh, Susannah Bond, Maxine Wain and Lucy Fekete.

It Hao Pheh Awarded Signatory

Susannah Bond Awarded Signatory

Maxine Wain (right) Awarded Signatory beside VAS President Lucy Maddox (left)

Lucy Fekete Awarded Signatory

Winners in the Hylton Mackley Artist of the Year Award 2025

Left: It Hao Pheh received a Signatory Award; T.J. Murphy VAS winner of the Hylton Mackley Artist of the Year Award; Swathi Madike winner of the Noel Waite AO Exhibitors’ Choice Award; Gwendoline Krumins VAS presented with a Fellowship; Lucy Fekete received a Signatory Award; Clive Sinclair VAS FVAS won the Members’ Choice Award