ARTSHOP Prize for Artistic Presentation: Winner & finalists announced

At the Gala Opening of the 2026 Downlands College Art Exhibition, ARTSHOP was delighted to announce the finalists and winner of the inaugural ARTSHOP Prize for Artistic Presentation, a new prize created to recognise the creative vision, care and investment artists bring to presenting their body of work as a fully resolved artistic statement. As art lovers, collectors and advisers to collectors and investors, ARTSHOP believes thoughtful presentation enhances both the enjoyment and value of an artwork. 

ARTSHOP Director Cherylyn Russell, together with conservation framer Lucinda Steele and Evan Hollis, also Curator of the Downlands Art Exhibition, toured the outstanding exhibition in the days before the Gala Opening. After independently identifying works deserving recognition and then comparing their selections, the team arrived at a group of finalists.

The ARTSHOP Team would like to particularly commend: 

Petra Cross, for Emergent, a beautifully framed photograph on rag paper. Its elegant framing and conservation glass enhance and protect the work's subtle tones. 

Janice Young, whose mixed media works, including Aquatic Garden, are presented in customised display solutions thoughtfully designed to complement each piece. 

Robyn Henderson, for A Creative Space, a beautifully executed mosaic with continuous tiling across its three-dimensional form, creating a complete, ready-to-display artwork. 

Smith and Brooks, for Complanata Form 1, a finely composed work whose customised timber float frame forms an integral part of the finished presentation. 

Catherine Ketton, also President of the Toowoomba Art Society, for Flooded, a skilfully constructed collage that extends around the canvas edges, creating a complete and resolved artwork without the need for framing. 

Charlotte Simpson, for Forever Connected, an exceptional bark artwork combining powerful concept, composition and craftsmanship in a ready-to-hang piece. 

We congratulate these artists for their thoughtful and accomplished approach to artistic presentation. 

[ You can see all these works on our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/artshoptoowoomba/ ]

The winner: Toni McIsaac 

ARTSHOP's inaugural Prize for Artistic Presentation was awarded to Toni McIsaac, particularly for her work Headcase, a sculptural assemblage in wood, steel and ceramic. 

Resolving different mediums into a single, cohesive statement demands creative vision and skill, qualities evident throughout Headcase, whose construction, character and presentation invite reflection, conversation and admiration. 

Cherylyn Russell, ARTSHOP's Director, sums up the Team's reaction. "Headcase stood out for the whole ARTSHOP Team," she says. "There's humour, originality and craftsmanship in how Toni's brought the subject and its elements together. It's a complete, engaging piece, and one that held our attention as we moved through the exhibition." 

Toni's other sculptural works throughout the exhibition further demonstrated her ability to create whimsical, highly resolved and beautifully executed artworks. 

It was ARTSHOP's pleasure to award Toni the opportunity to attend a course of her choosing at the UniSQ McGregor School Art Workshops in January 2027. 

Congratulations, Toni. 

We look forward to following Toni's journey, and to catching up with her in February once she's completed the placement.