From the wonder of creation to the hope of redemption, secondary students from across the Sydney Archdiocese have showcased their faith through art at the 2026 Clancy Religious Art Prize and exhibition. 

Held on Friday 16 October at Australian Catholic University’s McGlade Gallery, this year’s exhibition attracted 85 entries, showcasing the artistic talents of students as they explored their connection to the word of God through painting, drawing, sculpture and mixed media. 

The 2026 theme, Origins to Destiny: From Genesis to Salvation, invited students to reflect on the great story of faith, from the wonder of creation to the hope of redemption. Drawing inspiration from Scripture, Catholic imagery and the rich tradition of sacred art, students were encouraged to interpret moments from salvation history through their own artistic vision. 

The theme also encouraged students to look to the masterpieces of the Renaissance, particularly the Sistine Chapel frescoes painted by Michelangelo and other artists. Through colour, form, movement and symbolism, these works have brought biblical stories to life for generations, providing a powerful example of how art can communicate the richness of the Christian tradition.

Among this year’s outstanding works was Mount St Joseph Milperra student Isabella’s piece Devotion, which received the Executive Director’s Award. An intimate drawing of Mary holding Jesus after his death, the artwork explores faith through grief, vulnerability and surrender.  

“I have chosen to depict faith not through triumph, certainty or success, but through struggle, vulnerability and surrender,” said Isabella.  

“Mary’s grief does not diminish her devotion; rather, it reveals its depth. Through Devotion, I seek to portray faith in its most vulnerable form, not as an escape from suffering, but as the courage to remain devoted within it.”  

The Clancy Prize was first …

Clancy Religious Art Prize, a free exhibition featuring works by students from across Sydney Archdiocese, is now showing at Strathfield’s McGlade Gallery.

Meet Year 12 student Charlotte McCaughan, the 2021 Clancy Prize Executive Director’s Award winner.

Her Clancy Prize entry – a creative sculpture fashioned from termite-damaged Bunya Pine wood – features stars inspired from the Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood emblem emblazoned on her school uniform.

Titled Tableland of Faith and Time, it tells her story of redemptive healing following a life-altering head injury. 

“Charlotte healed the wood, like she’s healed herself; her story brought me to tears” – Clancy Prize coordinator, Ivanka Rancic

Charlotte’s artwork, Tableland of Faith and Time. Photo: Kitty Beale

“In 2018 I got knocked out and then diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome (PCS),”  Charlotte said with reference to PCS, a condition typically associated with a head injury.

Most people with post-concussion syndrome are able to recover with rest and by minimising stress. In Charlotte’s case, she experienced severe anxiety and was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), she said.

“I lost a lot of my memory and had multiple nervous breakdowns,” Charlotte said.

“My injury made me question my faith in God and if it were not for the teachers and family members who supported my academic work and social life, I would not be sharing my experiences with the world around me.”

Charlotte is pictured with Sydney Catholic Schools’ Executive Director, Tony Farley. Photo: Kitty Beale

A self-confessed unlikely artist, Charlotte is currently studying construction at Southern Cross Catholic College Burwood and hopes to one day work in remote communities helping make furniture around which people can come …