Back: SAM education co-ordinator Silvi Kadillari and Young Archies Shepparton Secondary School Award winners Abbie Higgins and Alicia Kazayi. Front: Young Archies Shepparton People’s Choice Award winner Armaan Singh and Young Archies Shepparton Primary School Award winners Xavier Viney and Milo Rose. Photo: SAM
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Young artists have been recognised for their creativity and storytelling, with Shepparton Art Museum announcing the winners of its 2026 Young Archies competition.
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Local students’ portraits are on display alongside the prestigious Archibald Prize exhibition at SAM until November 1.
In the primary school category, eight-year-old Xavier Viney and 10-year-old Milo Rose were selected for their portraits Morning Chats with Dad and My pa, the flower farmer.
Xavier said in his artist statement that his portrait captured his “favourite part of the day”, sharing breakfast and a conversation with his father.
Milo’s portrait celebrates his special bond with his grandfather, with their shared love of beekeeping and tending to chickens inspiring his subject choice.
In the secondary school category, 14-year-old Abbie Higgins and 17-year-old Alicia Kazayi were selected for their portraits Pop and Colour Blind.
Created in clay on paper, Abbie’s portrait pays tribute to her great-grandfather, capturing a lifetime of experiences through his expressions and weathered skin.
While Alicia’s colourful drawing of a family friend celebrates a brotherly figure’s youthful energy and curiosity.
Twelve-year-old Armaan Singh took home the People’s Choice Award for My hero, my mum, an intricate paper collage depicting his mother smiling.
The portrait has attracted hundreds of votes from visitors since the exhibition opened in September.
SAM head of engagement Gabriella Calandro said all the young artists should be proud of their work.
“The portraits, and the stories that accompany them, have brought us and our visitors so much joy over the past few weeks, and it’s always a privilege to offer local young creatives opportunities to share their talent with the community,” she said.
“We extend our congratulations to the winners.”
Winners received prize packs from the Art Gallery of NSW, including art activities, craft materials and books.
Young Archies Shepparton is on display at Shepparton Art Museum until November 1, with free entry.
Young Archies People’s Choice Award winner My hero, my mum by Armaan Singh, 12. Photo: SAM
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