Meet our Young Archies finalist, Lilli Davis

It’s a big weekend ahead for budding Barrack Point artist Lilli Davis.

On Saturday, 4 July, Lilli and her family will travel to the NSW Art Gallery in Sydney to learn if she’s been successful winning her category of the prestigious Young Archies.

Based on the famous Archibald Prize, the Young Archies is run in four categories. Lilli is a finalist in the age group for 9- to 12-year-olds. Entrants must submit a portrait of someone who is special to them, and who plays a significant role in their life.

Lilli’s entry is titled First Best Friend - My Cousin and it depicts her cousin, Theo, who is 14 months younger.

“We take holidays together and spend every birthday, Easter and Christmas together,” Lilli said. “I used charcoal and tried to show a cheeky look on his face in the portrait.”

Lilli can’t recall a time she wasn’t being creative, starting when she was a toddler.

“I then started to really focus on drawing around the age of eight. My nan, Jo David, is a local Aboriginal artist. I think I probably get my artistic talent from her.

“For the last year and a half, I’ve been going to inclusive art experiences with Phoebe Saunders. She’s a great teacher and really understands kids that have ADHD like me.”

Lilli’s mum, Lisa, is super proud, and not just of her artistic daughter.

“Lilli and her brothers, Nyzaiah and Jarrahna, are all quite creative. They cook, enjoy art, and have always been creative in their own ways. Around eight, Lilli started producing artworks that were pretty incredible for a young person. I realised then she was pretty talented.

“I’m incredibly proud of Lilli. To be recognised in a national art competition is amazing.”

Lisa gave a shout out to two of Lilli’s teachers at Minnamurra Public School. “Mrs Hotham and Ms Powell have been very encouraging and supportive of her.”

While Lilli is recognised for her portraits, she’s now branching out and experimenting.

“I love drawing realistic things; mostly people and animals. I like drawing in black and white, but have also been experimenting with painting lately.

“Lately I’ve been doing paintings of the sky. I’ve been doing different blending techniques for sunsets, and also painting the night sky filled with stars.”

When she isn’t at school and entering serious art competitions, Lilli keeps herself busy.

“I love animals and sport. I read a lot about animals and love watching animal documentaries. I also love playing league tag. I might play tackle football next year if my mum doesn’t freak out about me getting hurt.”

Lilli is also an avid reader. She’s currently enjoying Anh Do’s action-adventure series “Wolf Girl”.

As for Lilli’s future, once her school days are over?

“I hope to be an artist, or to work with animals when I’m older. Both of those would be cool jobs.”

You can check out Lilli’s work, together with all the Young Archies finalists (and the main Archibald Prize finalists, of course) at the NSW Art Gallery until Sunday 16 August 2026.