Tania Maria Mastroianni is the 26th artist to hold the coveted spot, which includes access to a studio space, $3000 towards art materials, culminating in a solo exhibition in July 2016.

Ms Mastroianni said the honour was gratifying and a satisfying acknowledgment from her peers, especially as often an artist feels like they’re working in isolation.

“I see something like this as a feather in my cap,” she said. “It’s a beautiful space I can work in.”

As part of her application for the residency the she had to put forward a proposal for her final exhibition - an installation project - though that idea may evolve and change.

“It’s the beauty of the artistic process. You don’t have to be to the letter … but you do have to have a strong idea,” she said.

Her final work will look at concepts relating to ritualistic spaces, chapels, shrines and museums, and also explore ideas around “catholic tastes”.

Ms Mastroianni has also been named as a finalist for the 64th Blake Prize, Australia’s longest standing art prize encouraging conversation about spirituality and religion through art. She joins other locals Madeleine Kelly from West Wollongong, Anita Larkin from Shellharbour and Catriona Stanton from Austinmer among the finalists.

The winner of the biennial award receives $35,000 while the Emerging Artist Award receives $6000.

** If anyone in the community is interested in having their portrait painted by Tania Mastroianni, please email mas_tania@yahoo.com.au