We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of NSW stands.

Finalist: 9-12 year olds

Arden Hurley Fogarty Almond, my idol

Age 12

9-12 year olds

Almond was the first person to teach me about realistic drawing with a graphite pencil. The first thing he showed me was how to draw animals using shapes. Almond is a kind, caring person no matter what and is fair and very smart. I drew Almond in my home, since a lot of our memories, happy and sad, happened here. Almond was one of the best things to ever happen to me. He made every day of my life great because I got to do something I love. Almond was and always will be like a father to me. I love you, Almond.