A work by Aireys Inlet artist Caroline Lawrey capturing stunning beach morning light will feature on the cover of the 2026 Surf Coast Community Arts Calendar.
Winter Sunrise at Urquhart Bluff topped People’s Choice voting during the Arts Calendar Exhibition at Anglesea Art Space.
While a judging panel chose the 12 works to feature with each of the 2026 calendar months, people were able to vote in person and online for the work to feature on the cover.
Caroline said it was humbling to have been chosen by public vote.
“I can’t tell you how chuffed I am about this because for me it’s not about the painting, it’s about the community that the painting represents,” Caroline said.
“It’s about the lifestyle that the Surf Coast provides for people, from a health and wellbeing point of view. We are so lucky.”
The work is painted in oils and impressionist style from a photograph taken by Caroline’s husband Michael just before they entered the water with members of their ‘Dodgy Dunker’ early morning swimming group.
The group includes members Nerida and Shayne and their black labrador Nelly and the work depicts them walking along the gleaming beach, with Nelly in full flight running along the waterline beside them.
Caroline said of all the People’s Choice votes cast for her work, one was particularly meaningful.
She was volunteering at the calendar exhibition when a family including a 10-year-old girl visited.
“The young girl admired Nellie the labrador in my painting and decided to vote for it because it made her feel happy, and she could visualise her Nanna being at the shore enjoying a morning sunrise,” Caroline said.
“That just made my day. She was just beautiful. I’m not the most confident of artists so it was very inspiring and humbling to have my work seen through the eyes of a 10-year-old and appreciated.
Cr Tony Phelps congratulated Caroline on the success.
“What a great honour to have been chosen by popular vote from such a stunning, diverse and wide range of entries for this year’s competition,” Cr Phelps said.
“Caroline’s painting really captures a magical, evocative moment and a scene that many might identify with on our beautiful Surf Coast, and is a truly fitting cover work.
“Congratulations and well done to Caroline and all competition participants, and thanks to everyone who voted.”
Caroline has been painting in oils and impressionist style for eight years, and mentored by leading Victorian impressionist Peter Smales.
Winter Sunrise at Urquhart Bluff will make history featuring on the cover of the last print edition of the Surf Coast Community Arts Calendar, as Surf Coast Shire Council develops new avenues for nurturing and promoting artistic activity.
The calendar’s legacy will continue through a refreshed annual community art exhibition and the launch of an exciting new Arts Initiative Program supporting artists to share their work, connect with the community and develop their creative practices.
Surf Coast Community Arts Calendars for 2026 will be available free from 8 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