The entries are in for the 2027 The Aruma Way Calendar Competition and the creativity on display was extraordinary.
Aruma participants brought The Aruma Way to life through an amazing variety of styles and mediums. From photography, jewellery design and murals to quilting, painting, drawing, craft and more, every entry offered a unique interpretation of our quality goals – Your Way, The Safe Way, The Right Way and Together.
The strength of the entries made judging no easy task. Each artwork reflected the artist’s individual perspective, skills and creativity, and together they revealed just how much artistic talent exists across the Aruma community.
Introducing our winner: Brie Ballard
Congratulations to Brie Ballard, whose beautiful sunflower diamond dot artwork was selected as the overall winner. Bright, detailed and full of life, the piece stood out as a striking celebration of creativity and the spirit of The Aruma Way.
Brie’s support worker, Belinda Saunders said: “Brie started her diamond dot in January 2026 with an intention to gift it to her sister for her birthday. Brie enjoyed doing the artwork every Wednesday in the afternoon and gained self-gratitude and a sense of purpose knowing once finished, she was giving it to her sister. Brie found doing her diamond dot very calming. At the end of August, Brie finished her artwork and I assisted Brie with framing it. The satisfaction on Brie’s face in the photo speaks for itself.”
Brie’s work will feature in the 2027 calendar alongside 13 other selected artworks, giving people the chance to enjoy the creativity of Aruma artists throughout the year.
Melanie Cook, Quality Safeguarding & Practice Partner said: “The Quality Safeguarding & Practice team felt this artwork was a fantastic demonstration of Brie’s dedication and effort towards doing something she enjoys. We are thrilled that Brie shared her piece with her sister and shared her creativity with Aruma.”
Thank you to every artist who entered and to the support workers, families and teams who helped make the competition possible. The quality and range of submissions made this a wonderful celebration of creativity and connection.
Keep an eye out for more artist profiles, where we’ll share the people and stories behind the selected works, as well as a sneak peek of the finished calendar.
