Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival

PENOLA COONAWARRA ARTS FESTIVAL ART AUCTION FOR CHARITY
Charity Artwork Auction for the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation
This year, as part of the 2026 Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival (PCAF), renowned artist Dan Tomkins
will contribute a painting titled ‘Southeast SA Bird Study’ to a charity auction. The proceeds will
support the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation, a leading Australian organisation dedicated to brain
cancer research, advocacy and awareness. The foundation’s mission is to rapidly improve survival
rates and, ultimately, find a cure for brain cancer.

Dan Tomkins is a contemporary artist with a strong connection to the region and the festival. He has
previously won the PCAF John Shaw Neilson (JSN) Acquisitive Art Prize in both 2010 and 2012.

Dan Tomkins shared his perspective on painting wildlife: “Painting birds and animals is like a marriage
between the joy and challenge of a creative practice and a connection with nature. Capturing the life
and character in these creatures feels very simple in essence but also quiet and deep at the same
time.”
The artwork, created in acrylic and mixed media on marine plywood panel (600 x 500 mm) and framed
in a Tasmanian Oak tray frame, will be exhibited at the Festival’s Official Opening Night on 15/05/2026
at Still Water Studio, Penola.

The auction will then be held on Sunday afternoon, 17/05/2026, at Down The Lane, Petticoat Lane, Penola. This presents a unique opportunity to acquire a special piece while supporting an important cause.
Donations to the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation can be made now via the campaign at Charity Artwork
Auction 2026 – ‘South East SA Bird Study’
Further Information, visit artsfestival.com.au or follow @pcartsfestival on social media.