The Wild HeART Student Art Prize is a celebration of Australian native fauna, flora and fungi through the eyes of Queensland children and young people.

Congratulations to all the children and young people who entered Wild HeART in 2023. Over 200 entries were received and the Wild HeART Working Group appreciate the time and effort all entrants put into creating their artwork of an Australian native flora, fungi or fauna species. In selecting the finalists they looked for a variety of mediums and techniques as well as a diverse representation of species. The selectors thoroughly enjoyed reading each student's statement that showed a personal connection to the species. Wild HeART encourages every young person to keep creating art and appreciating Australia's rich biodiversity.

Forty finalists were featured in the Wild HeART exhibition held at the Maroochy Arts and Ecology Centre. On 16th September, the 2023 judge Bernadine Hine announced awards.

2023 Awards

8 Years and Under

BEST FUNGI & FLORA: James B - Narrow-leaved bottlebrush

BEST FAUNA: Chloe R - Whimbrels

BEST THREATENED SPECIES: Sophie T - Numbat

JUDGE'S WILDCARD: Koda B - Southern bluegum

13 Years and Under

BEST FUNGI & FLORA: Ryan P - Ant plant epiphyte and swamp mahogany

BEST FAUNA: Mylo H - Crayfish

BEST THREATENED SPECIES: Louise W - Northern hairy-nosed wombat

JUDGE'S WILD CARD: Ryeojin J - Fairy-wren and wattle

18 Years and Under

BEST FUNGI & FLORA: Celine S - Forked sundew

BEST FAUNA: Giselle S - Brown bunyip cicada

BEST THREATENED SPECIES: Erin M - Southern cassowary

JUDGE'S WILD CARD: Thea-Bella T - King parrot

A $3000.00 prize pool was generously sourced by the organisations that comprise the Wild HeART Working Group - the Friends of the Maroochy Regional Bushland Botanic Garden, Queensland Wildlife Artists Society Inc., Friends of Mary Cairncross Association and Sunshine Coast Council. A full list of this years sponsors is below.

Wild HeART Sponsors

GOLD

Dr Gary and Mrs Holmes, Friends of the Regional Gallery Caloundra Inc., Sunshine Coast Art and Framing Gallery, Shorebirds Conservation Program, Wildlife Preservation Society of Qld

SILVER

Queensland Mycological Society Inc. and Bassett Barks

BRONZE

Native Plants Sunshine Coast, Forest Heart ecoNursery, Paintbox Art Schoo, Fairhill Nursery, Green Leaf Ecology, Diesel Precision Truck Repairs.

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