Wheelers Hill student Ben Miller wins 2025 Reilly Art Prize

Wheelers Hill Secondary College student Ben Miller won this year’s Lifeview Reilly Art Prize with a striking crocheted portrait of Kathleen, a resident at Lifeview’s Wheelers Hill aged care residence, The Willows.

For his work, Ben received the $4000 first prize, and says he was thrilled – and surprised – by the win.

“I was very happy and proud of myself – and shocked,” Ben said.

“As I was looking around at the other pieces at the start of the (exhibition) event, I was really impressed and wowed by the other works that were submitted.”

The Reilly Art Prize pairs secondary school students in Years 10–12 with residents living in Lifeview homes. Over several visits, students get to know their resident and create a portrait inspired by their stories and personality.

The works were displayed at an exhibition at Lifeview Willow Wood in Cranbourne earlier this month attended by the students and their families, their teachers, the residents involved, and their friends and loved ones.

“I liked that I could hear about the experiences and stories of the residents as we grew up in different generations,” Ben said.

Many participants described the program as deeply rewarding, while residents said it had become “one of the highlights of my week when (the students) visit”.

Ben’s unique crocheted portrait took around two months to complete.

“At first, I was hesitant to enter as I’m not very good at painting people,” he said.

“But as I thought about it more, and how fun this opportunity would be, I decided to use the skill I think I’m best at – crocheting.”

Charlotte, a student from Monbulk College, received the Highly Commended Award and $1000 for her collage of Lifeview Emerald Glades resident Elizabeth. Zohal, from Cranbourne Secondary College, won the inaugural Rotary Club of Cranbourne Resident’s Choice Award and $500 for her portrait of Willow Wood resident Mike.

A group of residents at Lifeview voted on their favourite piece to determine the Rotary Resident’s Choice Award.

Ben said he would “thoroughly recommend” the Reilly Art Prize to other young artists.

“It was a very welcoming and non-stressful experience,” he said. “The people at the Lifeview homes – and everyone involved – knew what they were doing and did a really good job,” he said.

The Reilly Art Prize was first awarded last year, when Luka, from Emerald Secondary College, won with a portrait of Lifeview Emerald Glades resident Doug on his beloved drumkit.

Entries Open for Reilly Art Prize 2026!

Lifeview has opened entries for the 2026 Reilly Art Prize.

The program is open to all students who will be in Years 10, 11 and 12 in 2026.

The exhibition event will be held much earlier next year to ensure it doesn’t clash with VCE exams.

$6000 in prizemoney will be awarded through the Reilly Art Prize, which is free to enter, with a $4000 first prize, $1000 Highly Commended prize, a $500 Resident’s Choice Award – supported by Rotary, and a new $500 engagement prize for the student who judges feel best engaged with the resident throughout the process to depict their story.

Students will be partnered with a Lifeview resident. They will be introduced, get the chance to get to know the resident through conversation, and then produce a portrait artwork of the resident.

If you would like to be involved in this exciting and rewarding program, register your interest here.