Published on Monday, 7 September 2026 at 2:34:46 PM
Young Perth artist Zoe Williamson has been awarded both the People’s Choice Award and the U18 First Prize at the 2026 Emerge Youth Art Awards for her nostalgic and deeply personal artwork, Sunhat Shadows, Crayon Heart.
The piece blends a background of childhood tablecloth patterns with hand‑drawn images from her preschool art folders, creating a warm, dreamlike reflection on memory and the soft, vivid feeling of rediscovering a forgotten moment of joy.
In her artist statement, Zoe shares that creating the work “filled me with comfort; it felt like taking my early memories and expressing how they made me feel inside. I wish to give others that same warmth - a memory you’re not sure you had, but you hope you did.”
This year’s People’s Choice category received 270 votes, with Zoe emerging as the standout winner from 168 exhibited artworks.
Zoe said she was grateful for the community’s support and described her experience with Emerge as a very positive one, noting the opportunity to display her work, reach a wider audience and connect with the community. “I’m really proud to have been a part of the Emerge Youth Art Awards and to be recognised for my hard work with the First Prize and People’s Choice Award.”
The exhibition ran from 25 July to 21 August at Tresillian Arts Centre, attracting strong attendance from families, young creatives and community members. Zoe’s long‑time art teacher praised her dedication and growth, highlighting the significance of her achievements as she completes Year 12.
The City of Nedlands congratulates Zoe on her outstanding accomplishments and celebrates the creativity, talent and commitment of all young artists who participated in this year’s Awards.
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