Youth art draws hundreds to show

The second annual event was staged at Shepparton’s Scot’s Uniting Church from September 11 to 13.

More than 350 entries were received by young artists from Years 4 to 12 in Shepparton, Cobram, Numurkah, Echuca and surrounding areas.

This year’s competition also featured an open age category for emerging artists aged 18 to 20.

“Young Picasso is about giving young people an opportunity to share their creativity and have their work seen and celebrated by the community,” Rotary Club of Shepparton South president Meg Pethybridge said.

“The response to this year’s competition has been fantastic, and we are incredibly proud of what these young artists have achieved.”

She said the club wanted to extend its appreciation to the participating students, schools, teachers, families, volunteers and supporters who contributed to the success of the competition, as well as the event’s sponsors.

“With more than 350 entries and hundreds of community members attending, the 2026 Young Picasso Art Competition has once again demonstrated the strength, diversity and creativity of the region’s young artists,” Ms Pethybridge said.