Gundagai’s Elizabeth Medyskyi’s winning photograph in the 2025 Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail Winter Photography Competition. Photo: Elizabeth Medyskyi.
A Gundagai photographer has taken out the top prize in this year’s Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail Winter Photography Competition, with her striking image capturing both the artistry of sculpture and the magic of the Snowy Mountains’ wintery landscape.
Elizabeth Medyskyj was announced as the 2025 winner for her photograph of Tony Davis’ sculpture Folly Interstice which can be found at Sugar Pines visitor area near Laurel Hill, in Bago State Forest.
A slight dusting of snow gave her the perfect opportunity to capture the delicate contrast of metal and snow making the piece feel momentarily inseparable from the landscape, echoing Davis’ intention behind the work.
For Lizzy, the win is especially sweet – it was the first time she had entered a photography competition.
“I’m so excited and honoured to be part of the photography team for Sculpture by the Sea in Bondi,” she said.
“One of the things I love about photography is that it takes you places, and to now have the opportunity to be involved in such a major event, especially one that celebrates art (another passion of mine), is very meaningful.”
Her winning image will be published across the Region Riverina and About Regional platforms.
As part of her prize, Lizzy will also receive two nights’ accommodation at The Blue Hotel Bondi in Sydney, along with the chance to join the official photography team at Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi, running from 17 October to 3 November.
With 64 sculptures spread across 13 locations stretching from Batlow in the north to Tooma and Khancoban in the south, the 150 kilometre Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail offered no shortage of inspiration.
The competition, open to amateur and professional photographers alike, attracted more than 50 entries this year.
Several photographers were recognised with honourable mentions, including Tim McDonald for his photograph of Folly Interstice; Cynthia Swain White for Seated Man by British artist Sean Henry; Brad Weintraub for Transporter by Culburra-born artist Dale Miles; Snowy Blog for Shiver House by Neon; Caroline Cattle for Universum by Czech artist Vaclav Fiala; Obsession Wines for Locus of Time by Japanese artist Takeshi Tanabe and Chantelle Bruton for another image of Henry’s Seated Man.
Founding CEO and Artistic Director of Sculpture by the Sea David Handley selected the winning entry.
“Congratulations to Elizabeth – we love showcasing the Snowy Valleys throughout the year and look forward to more photographers visiting the region next year,” he said.
The Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail has quickly become a cultural landmark, drawing visitors from across Australia to experience the blend of landscape and art.
This year’s photography competition highlighted local talent and reinforced the trail’s reputation as one of the state’s most unique outdoor galleries.
