By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Monbulk’s talented muralist and fine artist has recently made waves in the Australian art scene by being shortlisted for the People’s Choice Award at the prestigious Frankston Street Art Festival.
This nomination has placed Elizabeth Gleeson alongside eight other incredible artists from across Australia, all vying for a spot on the 2026 mural festival line-up.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted for the People’s Choice Award,” Gleeson said, brimming with excitement and gratitude.
“It’s such an honour to be considered among such amazing artists, and if I win, it would mean a dream come true to be on the line-up for 2026.”
One of the standout projects that contributed to Gleeson’s nomination was a massive mural she completed in Japan last year.
Over the course of two weeks, the Monbulk artist and three assistants transformed an eight-and-a-half-meter-high building in Hokkaido, Japan, using four levels of scaffolding.
“It was an incredible experience, we faced many challenges, but it was so rewarding to see it all come together,” she said.
The Frankston Street Art Festival is renowned for its global reach, with over 60 massive murals now adorning the streets of Frankston – being a part of the official 2026 line-up would be a significant milestone in Gleeson’s career.
“The festival has become a hub for incredible street art from both local and international artists and to be a part of that, to see my work on such a huge scale, would be a dream come true,” she said.
The People’s Choice Award voting is open until March 12, with the winner announced at the launch party on March 18.
Gleeson hopes her supporters will cast their votes in her favour.
“It would mean so much to me if people voted for me, it would be such an honour to have my art displayed on such a grand scale,” she said.
When asked what winning the award would mean for her career, Gleeson reflected thoughtfully: “Winning this award would elevate my career to the next level – it would place me among Australia’s top artists, and that’s something I’ve worked really hard for.”
Being an artist is more than just a profession for Gleeson; it’s a calling.
“Being an artist feels like a privilege, it’s an honour to be able to share what comes through me with the world, to add beauty and joy in the way that I know best. It’s really vulnerable to share your work with the world, but doing it on a large scale, publicly, is both daunting and incredibly rewarding,” she said.
While the fine artist’s career is about creating, she also faces the reality of being a full-time artist and entrepreneur.
“It’s not just about creating art. There’s a huge amount of admin work that comes with it, and it can be really challenging to juggle everything,” she said.
“But at the end of the day, the joy of creating something beautiful makes it all worth it.”
She finds much of her inspiration in the world around her, particularly from patterns, Art Nouveau, and folk art.
“I love bringing those influences together to create something new – and combined with my fascination with symmetry, history, and world-building, I’m able to bring those elements into my work in a way that feels fresh and contemporary,” Gleeson said.
In addition to her mural work, Ms Gleeson’s art has been featured in an international publication.
She was recently recognised in the British Vogue Pages for her fine art piece, Held: A Self Portrait of Sorts.
“When I received the email from them, I was in disbelief, it took me a little while to realise it was real, but it was an absolute honour to be featured alongside such wonderful artists,” she said.
As a female artist in a traditionally male-dominated field, Gleeson is passionate about breaking down barriers and paving the way for more women in the mural art world.
“For so long, male artists were the face of street art, but I’m proud to be part of a change that’s starting to take place,” she said.
“My work is niche, and it’s wonderful to see it resonate with so many people – being shortlisted for the People’s Choice Award is a reflection of that shift.”
Gleeson also spoke about a recent donation mural she created at the SSU Studio and Gallery in Ferny Creek.
“It was such a joy to kick off the year with this bright, cheerful mural,” she said.
“The mural was a donation, and the wall was generously provided by Sammy Edney, a well-respected tattoo artist – the mural brightens up the area and adds some sunshine to the hills, which was the perfect way to start 2025.”
For Gleeson, the satisfaction of her work goes beyond creating murals; it’s about making a difference in the community.
“It’s been so rewarding to see the positive responses to my art, especially in Monbulk, the mural I created in the centre of town has brought so much colour and vibrancy, and it’s wonderful to know that people feel connected to it,” she said.
To cast your vote for Elizabeth Gleeson and support her on her journey, visit the Imagine Frankston website before March 12.
