Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School Year 12 student Jasmine Lancaster Merton has been named the winner of ABC TV’s Portrait Artist of the Year Season 2, recognising her technical skill, artistic vision and ability to capture the character of her subjects.
Jasmine competed against artists from across Australia during the series, developing her work under the pressure of a national competition while continuing her final year of schooling.
The achievement follows Jasmine’s success in the 2025 Young Archie competition and highlights the strength of the visual arts program at Glenaeon.
Head of School Diana Drummond said the school community was proud of Jasmine’s achievement.
“We are incredibly proud of Jasmine and all she has achieved. Winning Portrait Artist of the Year is an extraordinary accomplishment and reflects her exceptional talent, hard work and commitment to her art.”
For Jasmine, the experience provided an opportunity to extend her practice and work outside her usual creative environment.
“Taking part in the competition pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me grow as an artist,” she said. “Winning the title is an incredible honour, and I’m grateful for the support of my family, teachers and the entire school community throughout the journey.”
Jasmine said the support she received at Glenaeon had allowed her to develop her own creative practice while being encouraged by her teachers.
“Glenaeon has been a wonderful school for me. I feel my artmaking is very much supported here. It is a school where in my art, I really get to let loose,” she said.
“The teachers at Glenaeon put in a lot of effort to know and care for each student. They don’t dissuade me from being my own creative person.”
She also acknowledged the support of staff throughout her participation in the competition.
“I am grateful to the staff at Glenaeon for supporting me from the sidelines every step.”
Jasmine will complete Year 12 this year before pursuing further opportunities in the arts and continuing to develop her artistic practice.
Her success adds to Glenaeon’s history of supporting students pursuing creative fields. The school’s alumni include actor and filmmaker John Polson, Dinosaur Designs co-founder and creative director Stephen Ormandy, Sydney Opera House Director of Programming Brenna Hobson, musician Toby Thatcher and members of hip hop group Bliss n Eso.
