The Bold & The Botanical: Serena Scoops Top Prize

The regional creative community is celebrating after local emerging artist Serena Rachel was awarded the Mixed Medium Section winner at the prestigious Bright Autumn Art Prize 2026.

Based in Staghorn Flat, Serena has quickly made a name for herself with a style that blends abstract energy with folk-inspired charm. Her winning piece, titled ‘Where the Wild Things Grow’, captured the judges’ attention for its vibrant and modern take on Australian flora.

Expert Acclaim
The exhibition was adjudicated by esteemed Melbourne watercolourist Julian Bruere, who praised Serena’s ability to weave together different artistic elements.

“This Banksia piece expertly balances line and paint, befitting the category of mixed media,” Bruere noted. “The combination of harmonious colour and lyrical linework creates a subject that feels both modern and refreshing.”

Art with a Conscience

Beyond the canvas, Serena is gaining recognition for her innovative approach to sustainability. A self-taught artist who transitioned into a full-time career after studying Interior Design and Visual Arts, she has remained deeply committed to protecting the landscapes that inspire her work.

In her studio, Serena has implemented a ‘closed-loop’ system for her acrylic paints:

• EcoAlchemy Series: Any leftover paint on her palette is used to create ongoing small-scale works, ensuring zero waste.

• Water Conservation: Paint water is never tipped down the drain; instead, it is piped onto separate canvases to create unique, textures.

• Waste Reduction: Dried paint is peeled from palettes and stored for future sculptural or mixed-media projects.

This ‘earth-conscious’ ethos ensures that her bold, patterned statement pieces are as kind to nature as they are beautiful to look at.

Explore Serena’s Work

While the Bright Autumn Art Prize has now concluded, Serena’s journey is only just beginning. You can catch her work in person very soon as part of the Six Artists Exhibition in Chiltern over the June Long Weekend (June 6–8).

Now in its fourth year, this popular exhibition will be held at the Chiltern Court House, featuring the theme ‘Near and Far’. It’s a perfect opportunity to see how Serena and five other regional artists interpret the natural world through landscapes, flora, and abstract mixed media.

• Official Opening: Saturday, 6 June | 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm (Meet the artists!)

• General Viewing: Saturday, Sunday, and Monday | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

• Location: Chiltern Court House

• More info: murrayarts.org.au/event/six-artists-exhibition-near-and-far/

Stay Connected

To see behind-the-scenes glimpses of her studio and latest works, follow Serena on Instagram and Facebook at @serena.rachel.art.

You can also view her full portfolio, browse the online shop, and request a commission by visiting her website at www.serenarachel.com.