Artwork by Desiree Martin
2026 theme
Authentic Storytelling
Friday 30th October- Sunday 1st November 2025
Gerringong Town Hall
106 Fern St
Gerringong NSW
When Jesus spoke, He told parables—simple stories layered with meaning. You don’t have to share His faith to appreciate the brilliance of this approach: He knew that stories reach places facts cannot. They slip past our defenses and awaken something within us.
Art can do the same. When we create with honesty, our work carries more than technique—it carries a piece of us. It can reach deep places in others, stir imagination, and even shift the way they see the world.
That’s why the theme for Creators Mark 2026 is Authentic Storytelling. This is your invitation to go beyond surface beauty. Tell your story—a story that matters to you, that aches to be told. Then shape it into something that draws people in, makes them wonder, and leaves them changed.
Art Prize Categories and Awards:
Open Category (18+ years):
First Prize: $3,000
Second Prize: $1,500
Third Prize: $750
Youth Category (13-17 years):
First Prize: $300
Second Prize: $150
Developing Artist Category (12 years & under):
First Prize: $100
Second Prize: $50
People's Choice Award:
$500
Program
Friday 30th October / 6PM
Join us for the Official Opening and Presentation of the Open, Youth and Chidren’s Prizes.
Entry is $10 per family and $5 per individual.
We have a virtual catalogue available via code with your entry.
You will arrive to live music with our harp trio Harp&Bowl entertaining you as you sip a drink and enjoy delicious culinary offerings at our grazing table.
All this while taking your time to stroll through and enjoy our wonderful works of art.
During the evening we will be entertained with live music.
Art Sales from 6pm, so secure your purchase early!
Saturday 31st October / 10am - 4pm
On Saturday we invite a more interactive experience.
Inside the hall, you’ll find:
Art Show open from 10am to 4pm
Devonshire Tea and fresh baked cake stall
Live music
Out on the lawn, you’ll find:
Artisan Market stalls offering quality hand made items from local budding artisans.
Kid’s Arts and Crafts tent
Sausage Sizzle
Prayer and Conversation Space
Sunday 1st November / 10am - 4pm
On Sunday C3 Haven Community Church will host a closing celebration from 10am - 4pm
Live music by Harp and Bowl
Two presentations at 11:20 & 1:20 by our guest Artist
Presentation of the People's Choice Award at 1pm
Art Show Open to 4pm
See Program on the home page for full program details
Lean on Me
Artist: Nicky Lett
In this painting "Lean on Me" I sought to capture the profound sense of grace and rhythm found in the supportive relationship. The piece depicts a woman leaning gently on her partner, their heads touching in a moment of quiet intimacy, This composition symbolizes the strength and tenderness of their bond, where mutual support and love create a harmonious rhythm.
I created this artwork using mixed media, the use of orange and blue blending colours and brushstrokes emphasizes the comforting and rhythmic nature of connection, This painting is a tribute to the gracefulness that emerges from true partnership and the subtle, yet powerful, rhythm or mutual encouragement and love.
The inspiration for Lean on Me comes from my life living with MS and the strength I find in my husband’s steady support. It’s a deeply personal reflection on love, resilience, and the grace that grows when two hearts share the weight of life’s challenges together.
Interactive art space
Live music with Harp&Bowl
Our Judge
TBA
2024 First Prize Winner
Alex McGowan
Boonerah Point Sunset
The Creator's Mark Art Prize 2024 was an opportunity for me to think about the incredible natural beauty of the Illawarra, to contemplate the theme of the competition (which was "Rhythms of Grace") and how I could translate this into an artwork that was a reflection of these elements. I found myself thinking about the rhythms of the natural world - the tide going in and out, the changing of day into night, and made a drawing of a view looking over Lake Illawarra with the sun setting over the escarpment. I had in mind Psalm 19:1-2 (MSG) which says "Madame Day holds classes every morning, Professor Night lectures each evening." This psalm guided my process to create a work that I hoped would show the rhythms of nature and to provide a chance to pause and contemplate the glory all around us.
We really are blessed to be living in such a beautiful, awe-inspiring part of the world, and the Creator's Mark Art Prize is an event that invites us to rediscover and appreciate the gifts we are given.
Alex McGowan
