Awards Celebrating 2026 Solar and Sun Sculpture Exhibition at Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden
The 2026 Solar and Sun Sculpture Exhibition was celebrated at a special awards presentation held at the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden, recognising the creativity, effort and teamwork behind this year’s event.
Sponsored by Potentia Energy, the exhibition transformed the Botanic Garden into an outdoor gallery featuring sun-inspired and solar-themed sculptures. Artists and schools came together to showcase works inspired by renewable energy, recycled materials and the unique arid landscape.
Mayor of Port Augusta, Linley Shine, said the exhibition highlighted the strong connection between creativity, community and the region’s natural environment.
“The Solar and Sun Sculpture Exhibition is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when creativity and place come together. Held in the stunning Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden, it showcases the talent of our state while celebrating our strong connection to the sun and renewable energy,” Mayor Shine said.
The awards acknowledged outstanding creativity, originality and community involvement across the exhibition, with winners and participants recognised for helping make the 2026 program a success. Chief Executive Officer John Banks said the exhibition continued to strengthen Port Augusta’s reputation as a regional tourism destination.
“The Solar and Sun Exhibition continues to highlight Port Augusta as a vibrant regional tourism destination, bringing visitors into our community while celebrating creativity and innovation. Council sincerely thanks Potentia Energy for their valued support in helping make the exhibition possible,” Mr Banks said.
The exhibition was managed by Yarta Purtli Gallery Arts Officer Christie Mitchell, who coordinated the program, supported artists and helped bring the overall vision of the exhibition together. Mikayla Grocke Arts Assistant also helped with the administration side of the exhibition, the installation of the artworks was carried out by the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden team.
Ms Mitchell said it was rewarding to see the exhibition come together.
“Seeing the exhibition come to life has been incredibly rewarding. It has provided a wonderful opportunity for artists from across South Australia to showcase their creativity in a unique outdoor setting, with the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden offering an inspiring backdrop for their work,” Ms Mitchell said.
While there were no local entries this year, the exhibition featured a strong range of works from artists across South Australia, reflecting the reputation of the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden as a unique and inspiring exhibition space.
Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden Tourism Manager Jordan Crabtree said the exhibition also delivered strong tourism benefits.
“The Solar and Sun Sculpture Exhibition is turning into a drawcard for visitors to the garden and it encourages people to stay longer, explore more of Port Augusta and experience something unique,” Ms Crabtree said.
Overall Winner Hugh Avey’s striking sculpture Mother Sun explored the power and mystery of the sun through inspiration drawn from observatories and NASA’s Parker Solar Probe. The work reflected the swirling magnetic fields and erupting plasma captured by the probe, while also acknowledging the Sun’s importance to life, culture and humanity’s place within the wider universe.
2026 Award Winners
- Grand Prize Winner – Hugh Avey
- School Award – School of the Air, Port Augusta
- Junior / Youth Award – Axel Klem
- People’s Choice Award – Jasper Goldney
For further information please contact Council’s Media and Communications Officer on (08) 8641 9100.
LINLEY SHINE
MAYOR
PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL
21/5/2026