The people have their say

THE District Council of Grant is delighted to announce the winners of its Art-Ability Exhibition People’s Choice Awards, highlighting and celebrating the diverse talents of people living with disability in the community.

Visitors to the award winning exhibition were invited to vote for their favourite artwork from the 38 pieces on display in The Hangar Gallery at the Mount Gambier Regional Airport.

With more than 400 online and hard copy submissions, three People’s Choice Award winners were determined by the highest number of community votes.

Council’s Access and Inclusion Advisory Panel Presiding Member and Councillor Katherine Greene said it was especially meaningful to present the Awards on the International Day of People with Disability, a day dedicated to recognising the contributions of people with disability.

“We are so proud of the efforts of all our participating artists, along with the support from the Access and Inclusion Advisory Panel and Council to deliver such a successful exhibition,” Cr Greene said.

“Congratulations to all the winners and to every artist who contributed their art. Your work has brightened the gallery and brought so many people joy.”

Sharing a prize pool of $500, the top three winners of the 2025 People’s Choice Award are:

• Ella Castleman for ‘Curls of Colour’
• Levi Kennedy for ‘Rocking Reindeer’
• Quaran Care Day Program for ‘Floating in the Clouds’

First place People’s Choice Award winner Ella Castleman explained that her favourite medium is markers and she often draws portraits that celebrate individuality.

“I was scrolling on Pinterest and found [this] photo so I decided to draw them… I did take a little bit of creative liberty and make her hair look like streamers,” Miss Castleman said.

Ella is still developing her style as an artist while navigating life with ASD, but with her mother’s encouragement she entered the Art-Ability Exhibition to share her work with the community.

“I always judge my art. Artists always judge their art more than anybody else around them, they’re always very critical of their own stuff. I never really thought [my artwork] was all that amazing so to have that many people vote for me is just great.”

The Art-Ability Exhibition will remain on display in The Hangar Gallery at the Mount Gambier Regional Airport until the end of February next year.