Young Archie Coffs Harbour

Young Archie Coffs Harbour celebrates the creativity of budding young artists from across the Coffs Coast. Open to ages 5 – 18, this special exhibition invites participants to create a portrait of someone meaningful in their lives.

Presented as part of the Archibald Prize 2025 regional tour, this family-focused initiative highlights imagination, storytelling and connection through portraiture.

Congratulations to all finalists featured in this exhibition across four age categories. Category Winners and Highly Commended awards were judged by Coffs Coast artist Seabastion Toast, an inaugural competitor on ABC Television’s Australian Portrait Artist of the Year.

5-8 Year Age Group
WINNER
Jackson Clarke
Karangi Public School
Artwork: Patrick

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Valerie Dow
Sandy Beach Public School
Artwork: Mrs Turner

Lani Vesk
Casuarina Steiner School
Artwork: My friend Cali’s dream world

Lorna Vandenberg
Karangi Public School
Artwork: Wilfred

9-12 Year Age Group
WINNER
Grace Macourt
Bowraville Central School
Artwork: Claire Rose Macourt

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Scarlett Lindquist
Karangi Public School
Artwork: Aunt Jenny

Jeevan Dhami
Mary Help of Christians
Artwork: Me and myself

Thomas Montford
Bowraville Central School
Artwork: My dad at work

Anthea Mason
Bowraville Central School
Artwork: Dave ‘Pop’ Mason

Zoey Holder
Artwork: Messy Makeup

13-15 Year Age Group
WINNER
Alexis Reid
Maam Giingana School
Artwork: Nan and Pop

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Milla Pennell
Artwork: My Sister Ruby

Amy Moyle
Artwork: “Chook” and her Chook

16-18 Year Age Group
WINNER
Edyn McDonald
CHSC Graduate
Artwork: My Littlest Friend

HIGHLY COMMENDED
Zoe McDonald
CHSC Graduate
Artwork: Portrait of Dad

The Archibald Prize is an Art Gallery of New South Wales touring exhibition. Major partner, Optus.