Class of 2024 Izzy Barnett is celebrating a remarkable double success at Melbourne Art Festival, winning both the Emerging Artist Prize and People’s Choice Award for her portrait, Maria.

Now in its 21st year, the Melbourne Art Festival took place on 19 and 20 September 2026, bringing together artists and creatives from across the Midlands at Creative Melbourne Gallery and venues around the Derbyshire village. The festival showcases a diverse programme spanning fine art and sculpture alongside live music, poetry and artisan food.

Originally from Leicestershire, Izzy studied A Level Art, Photography and Business Studies at Trent before continuing her artistic journey in Florence, Italy, where she is now studying Fine Art at the renowned Charles H. Cecil Studios.

“Izzy was a true Art Scholar in her time at Trent; she excelled in both Art and Photography. Talented, creative, enthusiastic, and always willing to give things a go.” Trent College Head of Art, Kate O’Hare

For this year’s Melbourne Festival, Izzy applied to exhibit and was given a stall alongside established artists from across the area. She also entered the festival’s Emerging Artists competition, choosing to display her portrait, Maria.

Her work attracted attention from both the judging panel and festival visitors, resulting in a particularly memorable double achievement, being awarded the Judges’ Emerging Artist Prize and the People’s Choice Award; an accolade organisers told her had not been won in the previous 12 years!

“I was told they had never experienced people walking around the village talking about and trying to find an emerging artist’s work.”

The response to Maria extended beyond the awards, with several visitors expressing an interest in purchasing the painting and Izzy has since confirmed that the portrait has now been sold.

The success marks an exciting moment in Izzy’s development as an artist and provides valuable exposure for her work as she continues her studies in Florence.

“I hope my award inspires others at Trent who would like to go into art and also hopefully helps with exposure of my work.”

Her artistic journey is also bringing Izzy back into the Trent community in a very special way.

Earlier this year, Izzy was commissioned by the Trustees of the Old Tridents Society to paint a portrait of retired Headmaster, Bill Penty. The commission will see her return to her classical training in Florence, with Bill travelling to the city next week to sit for the portrait.

Izzy has previously spoken about how excited she is to take on the commission, and the timing of the portrait sitting is particularly fitting following her success at Melbourne Art Festival.

From studying Art and Photography at Trent to developing her craft in Florence, Izzy is now building an exciting career as an artist, and her recent success is a wonderful example of where a passion nurtured at school can lead.

“A lovely presence in the Art department and an inspiration to the younger years.   We have been so proud to watch Izzy’s journey beyond Trent to Florence and her recent involvement in the Melbourne Art Festival with her first exhibition. We were so pleased to see her recognised for the Emerging Artist Award.” Trent College Teacher of Art, Vicky Prince

You can view examples of Izzy’s work on her website: izzybarnettart.com

Artist Description: ‘Maria’ emerges out of the darkness, from history, with determination and passion. In one hand she holds a sword, a tool of destruction. Around the other twines ivy. Ivy is life and resilience, growing where nothing else does, encapsulating its surroundings. Maria is humanity trying to protect nature.'

Price: £2950 

Since exhibiting at the Melbourne Art Festival, Izzy's winning entry Maria has been sold.