Vermont Secondary College Year 10 student Brooke Chua is this year’s Reilly Art Prize champion.
Brooke was presented with the $4000 first prize cheque at Lifeview Willow Wood on Sunday, where the Reilly Art Prize exhibition showcased 13 works produced by the students involved in this year’s program.
“It’s really amazing,” Brooke said. “I can’t really believe I won.”
Picture (right): This year's Reilly Art Prize winner, Brooke, with resident Marian.
Brooke’s stunning portrait of Lifeview resident Marian (seen below, right), who lives at The Willows in Wheelers Hill, was unanimously selected by the three-judge panel as the winner.
The Reilly Art Prize sees students in Years 10, 11, and 12 paired with Lifeview aged care residents.
The students and residents form an intergenerational connection through student visits to Lifeview homes.
Each artist then produces a portrait showcasing their resident, capturing important detail about what they’ve learned about their subject.
“It’s about getting to know the residents and telling their stories through the artwork. The storytelling is as important as the final portrait,” says Lifeview Social Support, Events and Diversity Manager Annitta Macauley.
“All the students did an amazing job this year and everyone was really impressed with the quality of artwork on display on Sunday.”
Brooke said her favourite part of the program was “getting to know Marian”.
“I loved how I had to consider each and every part of Marion’s story that she’d told me,” Brooke explained.
“I thought of each detail and how I would include that in the portrait.”
According to Marian, who is 94, Brooke more than nailed the brief.
“Oh, absolutely. I enjoyed this so much,” Marian said.
“Mostly for my painter. She said, ‘I want to sketch you, and I want to put your piano in there’. And for me, singing and music has been my life. It’s all come together so beautifully.
“In some ways, I can’t believe it’s me. I look so intelligent!” Marian laughed.
“It’s very special. I’m just speechless.”
The second-place prize of $1000 was awarded to John Monash Science School student Stella Zeppeli, whose colourful portrait of The Willows resident Helen caught everybody’s eye.
Second-placed artist Stella, who painted an amazing portrait of resident Helen, interviewed by Lifeview CEO Samantha Jewell.
“It was incredible (winning second prize). Oh my god, I could not have done it without Helen. She’s awesome,” Stella beamed.
“I was a bit nervous before meeting Helen, but once I did, she went straight in and put me at ease. I did not feel at all nervous after meeting her.
“I was worried that I’d be a bit loud and unrestrained, but she kind of matched my energy, so it was perfect!”
Stella included detail such as Helen’s bowling ball, goldfish, and a wave which captured part of Helen’s story.
And the vibrant colour of the work will shortly be added to t-shirts for Helen and her friends to wear.
“I just kept adding more and more (detail), and I was like ‘I have to stop’ or it’s never getting finished,” Stella said.
Helen was blown away with her portrait.
“Very special, very special,” she said.
“Everything was special because I didn’t know we’d win – I was in shock!
“Stella was good. Stella was excellent. Stella was lovely.
“This is so gratifying and special. That’s how it makes me feel. It’s an amazing piece.”
The Resident’s Choice Award valued at $500, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Cranbourne, went to Ruby Street, a Year 12 student at Emerald Secondary College.
Ruby painted an incredible portrait of Emerald Glades resident Linda and said she took amazing memories from the whole program.
Pictured right: Ruby and Linda. Ruby's portrait of Linda received the Resident's Choice Award, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Cranbourne, at this year's Reilly Art Prize exhibition.
“I take away how beautiful it is to connect with people, and also, I think people need to branch out more with who they’re talking to,” she said.
“Something like this doesn’t happen every day. I feel like people can get a bit closed off … something like this experience is so beautiful to connect with people in different age brackets. It’s just beautiful.
“It was amazing getting to know Linda. It was very interesting how we connected on a range of different subjects.
“Learning how we approached life was so similar and gave me a lot of perspective learning about Linda’s experience. What she was told she could and couldn’t do in her life given the time (she grew up in). It was inspiring to see how much and how far attitudes have come.”
All the students said they would encourage others to get involved with the Reilly Art Prize next year.
“My friend wanted to do it so bad and I kept telling her she has to do it – but she didn’t. I’m so mad at her for that but I’ll be forcing her to do it next year!” Stella laughed.
Brooke agreed and plans to return to the competition herself again next year.
“I really enjoyed it and loved going to visit (Marian). Definitely in the next two years I’ll come back,” she said.
Pictured right: Resident George sits proudly alongside his portrait, painted by student artist Jenson.
“And I would definitely encourage others to join so they can get to know and experience how other people enjoy life and connect with people.”
Cranbourne Secondary College Visual Arts Coordinator Karl Pandolfo has supported the event since its inception in 2024.
He said his students have thoroughly enjoyed being involved in the rewarding program.
“It’s a fantastic event. It’s an honour to be a part of the event every year and for the students to be able to express themselves through the artwork, but also to form those relationships with the residents is a fantastic opportunity for the students,” he said.
“The way they can capture those intricate details and aspects of the personal life of the residents is just fantastic.
“We’ve already got next year planned and a few students really keen.”
Students who will be in Years 10, 11 or 12 are already able to nominate to be in next year’s Reilly Art Prize.
Thank you to all the students and residents involved this year:
To sign up for the 2027 Reilly Art Prize, simply click here and a Lifeview representative will be in touch.
Find out more about what makes Lifeview different.
About Lifeview
Lifeview delivers innovative, award-winning care and wellness through four homes in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs. With a model that is a world away from the “traditional nursing home model”, Lifeview residents are afforded an industry-leading social and lifestyle program, exceptional care and wellness, and delicious and nutritious meals prepared by qualified chefs. Lifeview is proudly pet-friendly, with residents encouraged to bring their beloved pets into the home when they join the community. As a proudly Rainbow Tick accredited organisation, Lifeview is inclusive and welcoming. Learn more about the Lifeview difference at www.lifeview.com.au
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Media enquiries: cwinnell@lifeview.com.au
