THE Ellenbrook Art Awards 2025 Exhibition has opened its doors, celebrating some of the state’s finest creative talent.

The annual awards are one of the region’s most anticipated cultural events, showcasing painting, sculpture, photography, textiles, and mixed media from both emerging and established artists.

This year’s exhibition shines a spotlight on community, creativity, and diversity, themes that reflect the unique voices and perspectives shaping our cultural landscape.

The highlight of the opening was the announcement of the Ellenbrook Arts Prize 2025, awarded to Ric Burkitt for his striking work The Edge of Almost.

Mr Burkitt said his artwork was an eclectic mix of styles, mediums, techniques, and interests.

“Art, for me, is an endless journey of experimentation and discovery,” he said.

“A limitless world of possibilities and potential, and a source of immense pleasure.

“Over recent years, I have explored the notion of expression through the abstract, of making connections on a more emotional level than those offered by working in a more representational style.”

Mr Burkitt said his non-representational paintings often begin as random marks on canvas or board.

“The initial aim is to build a history of marks by fashioning a series of shapes, lines, contrasts, textures and colours, and then obliterating many of them and starting over,” he said.

“No decision is entirely wrong; each mark adds to the complexity and style of the work and is therefore significant and essential on the road to resolving the work.

“‘Listening’ to the painted marks is important, as I react solely to their recommendations, be they good or bad ones, ultimately.”

The exhibition is open to the public at Ellenbrook Arts, running until September 21, with many of the works available for purchase. Audiences are invited to  experience the richness of local artists