The Southern Highlands came alive on Friday night as artists, supporters, and community members gathered at Centennial Vineyards to celebrate the official opening of the 15th Southern Highlands Arts Trail and the announcement of the Angels in Our Town Art Prize winners.
Hosted in partnership with Wingecarribee Shire Council, Centennial Vineyards, and The Pop-Up Project, the evening was filled with creativity, connection, and community spirit. Guests enjoyed local wines and live music as they explored a beautifully curated exhibition that reflected the heart of Angels in Our Town — gratitude, kindness, and the power of art to inspire hope and belonging.
Art Prize Winners Announced
The Major Prize ($2,000) was awarded to Slavica Zivkovic for her exquisite work The Spirit of Place.
The judging panel described the piece as “a thoughtful interpretation and deep understanding of the brief. The work expresses kindness and captures the essence of ‘The Spirit of Place’ beautifully. Plant forms are beautifully integrated, and the gentle, warm colourways convey sensitivity, gentleness, and compassion. Symbols of nature engender immediate emotional connection with the viewer — familiar yet quietly profound. A very accomplished work that shows confidence with both medium and symbol, reflecting emotional awareness and technical skill.”
Above: Winner Slavica Zivkovic: The Spirit of Place
The Second Prize went to Tessa Hoser for her ceramic work Echoes of Kindness. Judges praised the piece as “a thoughtful and poetic work exploring generosity and kindness displayed in fragile, human-related forms. The artist shows the beauty of broken elements individually placed to imply a whole — fragile fragments that join together to express the beauty and hope of renewal within. The restrained palette, subtle shifts of colour, and masterful handling of material demonstrate confidence and control. The work’s gentle rhythm and natural balance invite close contemplation, evoking a sense of peace, healing, and quiet emotional power.”
Above: Second Prize Tessa Hoser: Echoes of Kindness
Highly Commended awards were presented to Cathy Shugg for Secret Garden, Cintia Yamane Lemann for her sculpture Gassho, and Carla Gates for her mixed media work The Heart & Light of Father Chris Riley.
An Exhibition with Heart
The Angels in Our Town Art Prize exhibition will remain open to the public at the Centennial Vineyards Cellar Door throughout summer, offering visitors the opportunity to view — and purchase — these inspiring works.
In true community spirit, 30% of all artwork sales will be donated to Angels in Our Town, helping the organisation continue its mission to thank and support local volunteers and first responders who serve our community with courage and compassion.
The Trail Continues
The celebrations also marked the official opening of the Southern Highlands Arts Trail, with more than 100 artists opening their studio doors across the region on November 1–2 and 8–9. Visitors are encouraged to explore, meet the makers, and share their experiences on social media using #ArtsTrailSH25.
For maps, artist listings, and a digital trail planner, check out the main page HERE
