A linocut work inspired by artist Emily Wright’s affection for her adopted Surf Coast Shire home will feature on the cover of the 2025 Surf Coast Community Arts Calendar.
The work, titled ‘Surf Coast Community’, topped People’s Choice Award voting during the 2025 Arts Calendar Exhibition at Anglesea Art Space.
While a judging panel chose the 12 works to feature with each of the 2025 calendar months, people were able to vote in-person and online for the work to feature on the cover.
‘Surf Coast Community’ led the vote narrowly ahead of a children’s category entry ‘Following The Light’ by Willa Webb and Tulleah Close, and an Open 2D category entry ‘Nippers’ by Amanda Borg.
Emily said winning the popular choice poll resonated strongly with the motivation for her work.
“I moved to the Surf Coast almost four years ago and never before in my life have I felt such an overwhelming sense of community,” Emily said.
“It is so special and beautiful the way this community cares for and respects each other, and our beautiful environment we are lucky enough to call home.
“My ‘Surf Coast Community’ piece was inspired by our community, so it feels very special that it was then chosen by community for the People’s Choice award.
“I am so thankful, and it adds to the ongoing support I feel from our community to share and express my art.”
Emily Wright is founder and creator of AHKI Illustration. She primarily works in graphite pencil illustrating elements of the natural world.
Surf Coast Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Robyn Seymour congratulated Emily as people’s choice champion.
“Winning the People’s Choice award is a significant honour, and voters clearly connected with the way Emily illustrated elements of our Surf Coast Shire environment, community and lifestyle, making it a very fitting choice for the calendar cover.
“We had 429 votes submitted for the People’s Choice Award, including 258 in-person at Anglesea Art Space and 171 online. Thanks to everyone who participated, we hope you enjoyed admiring the considerable talents of our arts community.”
Seventy-eight artists submitted works for the 2025 calendar, comprising six in the Child 12-and-under category, 13 in Youth 13-19yo, 49 in Open 2D and 10 in Open 3D.
Surf Coast Community Arts Calendars will be available free from early December from Council’s municipal office in Merrijig Drive, Torquay, Visitor Information Centres, community houses and hubs.
See the list of distribution points and artists to feature during each of the calendar months via surfcoast.vic.gov.au/calendarcomp.
AT 16 AUSTRALIANS CAN DRIVE, WORK AND JOIN THE ARMY, WHY CANT THEY VOTE?
