VAS George Hicks Foundation Contemporary Exhibition 2026
The Victorian Artists Society held the Official Opening and Awards Presentation for the VAS George Hicks Foundation Contemporary Exhibition 2026.
This Exhibition challenges VAS artists to reimagine classic subjects and techniques through a contemporary lens, blending time honoured practices with modern creativity.
This exhibition is generously sponsored by the George Hicks Foundation with a total prize pool of $7,500.
The late George Hicks, VAS Member and exhibiting member, was awarded Life Membership of the Victorian Artists Society in 1979. Mr Hicks' name appears on the Victorian Artists Society Honours Board.
Mr Hicks was a major sponsor to the Victorian Artists Society for the Applied Chemicals Award 1968 -1988, the VAS Winter Exhibition 1968-1979, the VAS Spring Exhibition 1981-1987, and the VAS Collectors Exhibition in 1980.
The Judge for the VAS George Hicks Foundation Contemporary Exhibition was Mark Feary, Artistic Director at Gertrude Contemporary.
Gertrude Contemporary is a contemporary art complex located at 21-31 High Street, Preston South. Gertrude Contemporary's programs include exhibitions across the two gallery sites, studio residencies for local and international artists and education and public programs.
Winners of the George Hicks Contemporary Exhibition
Enough is Enough, Fred Toumayan VAS
Winner of First Prize
The Birch Weeps, Karen Van Ulzen
Winner of Second Prize
Turning Back, Thomas Bladon
Winner of Third Prize
Highly Commended
So Much Distance Amongst Extreme Conditions, Nick Scholes (NVCK)
Highly Commended
Forest Transfiguration, Paul Laspagis
Highly Commended
Fibonacci Connection, Zulu
Highly Commended
Winners of the George Hicks Contemporary Sculpture Awards
You Left The Light on, Sweetheart, Olivia Jane
Winner of First Prize for Sculpture
Contemplating a New Beginning, Marija Patterson
Winner of Second Prize for Sculpture
Extremis, D'Arcy Rouillard
Winner of Third Prize for Sculpture
George Hicks Curator's Award
Nathan Thompson with VAS President Lucy Maddox
Winner of the Curators Award
Media Enquiries:
Ron Smith OAM Hon FVAS, Victorian Artists Society - Mobile: 0417 329 201
Acknowledgment of traditional owners.
We would like to pay our respects to the traditional owners of the land on which our building stands, their leaders, past, present and emerging.