Jake Durbin is judges’ choice: ArtWalk Young Artists 2026
From 15 artworks bold and diverse, Jake Durbin’s still life Reflection Between Us has won first place in Port Macquarie’s 2026 ArtWalk x Luminance Young Artists exhibition.
“Jake’s painting plays with colour and shadow to create an artwork that is raw and honest. Reflection Between Us is strong and fresh,” the exhibition judges said.
Jake, 24, lives and paints in Bowraville on the NSW Mid North Coast. He’s an active participant in Nambucca Valley Phoenix art classes.
In his artist statement, Jake writes: “From every angle there’s a reflection: people, objects and life. The brightness and the shadows of the still-life genre, and the materials and fragments, really appeal to me.”
These materials and fragments reveal form, hardness, softness, Jake says.
“They are objects that people keep and collect and arrange into unintentional still life set-ups. Reflection Between Us developed in my painting classes at Nambucca Phoenix. Yellow is my aunt’s favourite colour and a lot of my art is because of her influences.”
The 2026 ArtWalk x Luminance Young Artists exhibition includes landscapes, Indigenous perspectives, portraits, still-life, abstracts and photographs. Artist Wendy Stokes and Luminance Gallery curator Dominic O’Grady co-judged this exhibition.
“We’re not the country’s richest art prize but that’s OK because it’s not about the money, it’s about opportunity to exhibit and connect with audiences,” said Luminance Gallery’s Dominic O’Grady.
“ArtWalk provides an additional opportunity for artists to connect with community. This exhibition enables young local artists to be part of that,” Dr O’Grady said.
Three paintings in the 2026 ArtWalk x Luminance Young Artists exhibition received Highly Commended awards:
Melodie Cicak: Beating Heart - My Life As I Know It, acrylic paint pens on paper, 65cm x 78cm.
Luke Baker: Guiding Light, acrylic on canvas, 30cm x 30cm.
Peyton Hardesty: Even When There’s Darkness, I’ll Still Be There, oil pastels on canvas, 30cm x 30cm.
“Melodie Cicak’s artwork pulses with energy,” the judges said. “It delves into an interior psychological space; you can feel this painting’s rhythmic beating heart.
“Luke Baker’s artwork is confident and precise. He captures the luminance of Tacking Point Lighthouse and presents it as a symbolic monument.
“Peyton Hardesty offers us a very expressive artwork. There’s strength and movement. It’s powerful and emotive. So much happening in such a small space.”
Melodie Cicak, Luke Baker and Peyton Hardesty each win a $100 gift voucher donated by Alice’s Art Craft and Paper Supplies.
Jake Durbin wins a $200 cash prize donated by Wauchope Vets.
We thank artist Wendy Stokes for her insights as a judge, adviser and supporter.
“Judging is a difficult process, and there’s merit in each of the artworks in this exhibition,” Ms Stokes said. “But there are some works which keep pulling you back. That is especially true of the artworks by Jake, Melodie, Luke and Peyton.”
ArtWalk x Luminance Young Artists Exhibition is made possible with the support of donors Wauchope Vets and Alice’s Art Craft and Paper Supplies. It is also made possible with the support of ArtWalk and Port Macquarie Hastings Council, as well as the Make/Space program initiated by Arts Mid North Coast in partnership with Gowings Pacific Traders.
ArtWalk x Luminance Young Artists Exhibition
1 - 7 June 2026. Shop 50, Port Central Shopping Centre, Horton Street Port Macquarie.
Melodie Cicak, Beating Heart - My Life As I Know It.
Essential info
The ArtWalk x Luminance Young Artists Exhibition issued an open call for entries from young people aged 12 to 24 who live and work on the NSW Mid North Coast. Entry was free. Open to all mediums. One entry per person. Contact Dominic O’Grady: 0491 764 745
Wauchope Vets have come on board again this year to sponsor the Young Artists exhibition. So too has Alice’s Art Craft & Paper Supplies. We thank these local businesses for supporting local initiatives.
Artist Wendy Stokes generously agreed to co-judge the exhibition with Luminance Gallery curator Dominic O’Grady.
On the night of ArtWalk, Friday 5 June, we’ll be in an inflatable marquee on Town Green. We’re hosting a celebration in the marquee from 4.30pm, just ahead of ArtWalk’s 5pm start. Come join us if you can.
For the Hastings Arts Trail on the weekend of 6 - June, we’re back in Port Central Make/Space.
All works can be viewed on the Luminance Gallery website.
Melodie Cicak, Beating Heart - My Life As I Know It, acrylic paint pens on paper, framed. 65cm x 78cm. $775
