2026 Maldon Landscape Prize: Essence of Place (Copy)

Maldon Landscape Prize opening event

A couple of notes from the opening event on Saturday 26 September 2026

The Maldon Landscape Prize is open to all artists who have lived or are living or working in Australia. The 2026 MLP has attracted a record number of 326 entries.

Our two esteemed judges – Nick Dridan and Sue Anderson, both established and practising artists, both with impressive credentials, had the arduous task of processing and then selecting from 326 down to just the 45 finalists.

Many hours were spent deliberating over the artworks submitted and I do firmly believe they have been very professional and integral in the process of selection, taking much care and consideration to look, see and reflect, before arriving at a difficult, but unanimous decision.

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Nick Dridan

Nick Dridan is represented by Australian Galleries Melbourne/Sydney and BMG Art Adelaide.

Nick Dridan has been a finalist in several prizes including the A.M.E Bale Traveling Prize and the Len Fox Painting Prize.

Sue Anderson

Sue Anderson is represented by Australian Galleries in Melbourne and Sydney, and Salt Gallery in Queenscliff, Victoria.

Sue has held many solo and group exhibitions with an art extensive art career dating from the early 1980’s. Sue has also been a finalist and won several prizes.

I would also like to acknowledge the Hillary Merkus Recordati Fondazione who is the generous sponsor of this 2026 Maldon Landscape Prize – Essence of Place.

Local Maldon resident, Jenny Merkus, is the person who has facilitated this philanthropic international arrangement with her nephew Andy Bianchedi.

Jenny also plays a vital role with the Castlemaine Art Museum affectionately known as (CAM) and works with Friends of Cam. FOCAM.