Over the weekend of 27 February – 1 March 2026, at the gorgeously designed Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, something truly special happened. I was awarded the Art Shows Across Aotearoa Gold Award at the 2026 Wellington Art Show for my painting Shine Through.
I’m still letting this sink in.
For those who attended the Wellington Art Show, you’ll know the energy and passion for arts was electric. With over 5,000 original artworks on display, including painting, sculpture, jewellery, ceramics, textiles, and small object art, there really was something for everyone in one beautiful space. A pure celebration of creativity, human connection and spirit.
A Gold Award at the Wellington Art Show 2026
The VIP Preview and Opening Night was incredible. The space was so alive with collectors, returning art lovers, first-time buyers, and passionate supporters of New Zealand art. Watching people pause in front of an artwork, take it in, and really feel something is why I create. Seeing smiles beaming with joy as someone has their newly selected artwork carried across the show to take home was so lovely to witness. Those faces glowing with pride, happiness, and pure delight was palpable and truly emotive.
To have my painting Shine Through recognised with the Art Shows Across Aotearoa Gold Award amongst so much incredible talent under one roof felt like a (not so quiet) message from the universe that I needed at that moment. The other finalist works were incredibly strong and very deserving, which made the recognition even more humbling.
So many people reached out to tell me how much they loved my style, that it was unique, expressive, and deeply moving. To have my work move and resonate so deeply with people is the best feeling in the world. It's indescribable.
Recently I have been at a crossroads with this style because it’s painstaking and takes so long. The award and all the heartwarming feedback received felt like the answer I truly needed to hear: keep going, trust your process, this is the direction you’re meant to follow. So thank you so much to everyone who took a moment to ask about my work, my process, and to share your thoughts.
The award was judged by celebrity Tom Webster, popular TV host of Grand Designs New Zealand. Someone who truly understands the emotional power and impact of art within a space. That recognition added an extra layer of meaning to this milestone.
Finalist for the 2026 Art Shows Across Aotearoa Gold Award
Winning in Wellington means I am now one of five regional finalists for the 2026 Art Shows Across Aotearoa Gold Award.
At the end of the exhibition year, one overall winner will be selected from the five finalists. An incredible honour to be part of.
The beautiful full-circle moment is that: Shine Through found its forever home with a collector on the opening night. Knowing the painting now lives in someone’s cherished space, while continuing its journey in this award process, feels deeply fulfilling.
Supporting Artists Across Aotearoa
I want to acknowledge the passionate team behind the Wellington Art Show and Art Shows Across Aotearoa. These events are more than just large exhibitions and art fairs. They give artists the chance to connect directly with the public, fostering moments of genuine human connection and shared emotion through art. They create spaces where creativity is celebrated, stories are shared, and art becomes meaningful and accessible to everyone. That dedication to the arts and the cultural fabric of society truly matters.
Grateful Beyond Words
To everyone who attended the 2026 Wellington Art Show, voted, messaged, supported, or simply stood in front of my work and took a quiet moment, thank you!
Your encouragement allows me to keep experimenting, pushing boundaries, and creating work that celebrates light, colour, emotion, and the natural world. You may (or may not) already know that my art is about connection: to each other, to ourselves, and to nature. This award is a reminder of why I do what I do, and it really means everything.
This milestone is one I'll never forget, and I can’t wait to see where this journey leads next.
With so much gratitude and art love,
Alex DiMercurio
If you’d like to learn more about my art journey and what inspires my work, you can read more about me here.