What’s happening?
Townsville artist Lisa Ashcroft has been shortlisted for the inaugural John D. Bowe Art Prize.
Her oil painting, CoralClip Engineering Reef Regeneration, explores the decline and recovery of the Great Barrier Reef. The abstract expressionist work also reflects Queensland’s character, environment and connection to place.
Ashcroft moved from Manchester to Townsville in 2011. She soon developed a deep connection with the Reef and Queensland’s distinctive light.
Her one-metre oil painting draws from her own underwater photography, diving experiences and sketches of the Great Barrier Reef. Her broader practice connects art and environmental advocacy with science and conservation.
Why it matters?
Ashcroft’s selection gives Townsville a place in a major statewide celebration of Queensland art.
Her work brings attention to the Great Barrier Reef through a personal and locally informed perspective. It also shows how creative work can support public discussion about conservation and reef regeneration.
The prize supports Queensland artists across all experience levels and locations. Entries were submitted and judged digitally, while no entry fee was charged.
This approach gave regional and remote artists greater access during a difficult period for household finances.
Local Impact
Ashcroft’s place among the finalists puts Townsville’s artistic community before a statewide audience.
Her work is grounded in North Queensland through the Reef, local light and her experiences beneath the water. It also connects Townsville with an exhibition in Brisbane’s central business district.
The nomination recognises an artist who has made Townsville her home for the past 15 years. It also gives regional environmental art a place within one of Queensland’s largest art prizes.
By the numbers
- The John D. Bowe Art Prize carries one monetary award of $50,000, placing it among Queensland’s largest art prizes.
- More than 560 artworks were submitted by Queensland creatives during the prize’s inaugural year.
- Judges selected 15 finalists whose works reflect Queensland’s character, resilience and community connections.
Zoom In
CoralClip Engineering Reef Regeneration celebrates Queensland through an abstract study of reef decline and recovery.
Ashcroft created the one-metre oil-on-canvas work using research gathered through photography, diving and sketching. These direct observations inform her study of environmental damage, scientific work and conservation.
The painting sits within a shortlist spanning rural landscapes, coastal settings and portraits of resilient Queenslanders. Several works also reflect communities responding to hardship and isolation.
The judging panel includes Queensland journalist Andrea Crothers, who was raised on a south-west Queensland property. She is now a Today Show correspondent known for reporting stories across the state.
Award-winning artist Wudarabin Snider also joined the panel. She is a Kuku Jelandji Bama and Guwamu Murrdi woman, young cultural leader and RFDS Light the Way Ambassador.
Her artwork appears on the Royal Flying Doctor Service uniform.
Bundaberg Regional Galleries representatives Rebecca McDuff and Kym-Maree Murphy served as co-judges.
McDuff is the gallery director and a Flying Arts Alliance board member. She supports regional arts practice and links between arts and health.
Murphy is acting director and tourism venues supervisor at Bundaberg Regional Council. She also manages the Hinkler Hall of Aviation museum collection.
Zoom Out
The prize was established by Anne Carne in memory of her sons, Roderick and John. Both died before her, and the initiative brings their interests together through a lasting Queensland legacy.
Roderick was a pilot, and an RFDS aircraft now carries the family’s name. John was a passionate painter, with the art prize continuing his connection to painting.
The prize also supports the Royal Flying Doctor Service Queensland Section and its work across regional and remote communities.
RFDS Queensland General Manager of Major Relationships Heather Stott said the response from artists had been deeply moving.
“The Flying Doctor is so fortunate that Anne has created this beautiful initiative, supporting both John’s legacy and our organisation,” Ms Stott said.
“Not only has this heartwarming gesture been able to celebrate John’s passion for art, but it’s also highlighted the critical health services the RFDS provides across regional and remote Queensland. Who knew that art could end up saving lives! We are amazed by both the volume and quality of entries in the John D. Bowe Art Prize, its inaugural year, and congratulate all those who have contributed to this incredible gesture of love and legacy.”
The other shortlisted works are:
- Walking Home From School by Robyn Bauer
- My Love… by Jaimee Bradshaw
- Dinosaur Man, Koa Country, Winton by Megan Campbell
- The Backyard Hose by Emma Chipperfield
- Counter Portrait: Keeper and Protector of Country by Pranavi Halai
- Clearing the Airstrip for RFDS Emergency Landing by Denis Harrold
- A Shared Horizon by Angela Hawkey
- Threads of Queensland, One State Many Stories by Nikki Hulleman
- Riding Through The Sky by Phuong Ly
- Between Storm and Stillness by Charlotte Moore
- Where the Tide Meets by Michelle Morton
- Resilence by Deb Neill
- You Got Ghosts In This Land by Wendy Pound
- The Queensland Spirit by K.V Kosala Wijegunaratna
What To Look For Next?
All shortlisted works remain on public display in the lobby of 175 Eagle Street, Brisbane, until Friday, 31 July.
The winner was scheduled to receive the $50,000 award at a private cocktail event on Wednesday, 29 July. Further prize and artwork details are available through the John D. Bowe Art Prize website.
