Meet our 2026 Mason Family Trust Fellows!

We’re proud to introduce the 2026 Mason Family Trust Fellows; two accomplished artists whose practices explore the intersection of material tradition, architectural application, and contemporary image-making. Their work spans glass, print, and built environments, each bringing a distinct approach to reviving historical techniques and reimagining their place in contemporary Australian practice.

Brenda Page

The Marked Surface: Reviving Print and Enamel Traditions for Contemporary Glass Image Making

Brenda Page is a glass artist and educator whose Fellowship will take her to the United Kingdom to investigate the intersection of traditional ceramic and glass painting with copper plate etching. Historically used to transfer imagery onto ceramics prior to the rise of screen and digital printing, this technique offers new possibilities for contemporary glass image-making.

Through hands-on mentorship with leading UK practitioners, Brenda will deepen her knowledge of vitreous enamels and glass paints while expanding her printmaking skills across screen printing, copper plate etching, transfer printing, and decal production.

This cross-disciplinary inquiry will enrich both her studio practice and her teaching, equipping her to reintroduce a sophisticated blend of historical process and contemporary application to the Australian arts community.

Poppy Templeton

Beyond Decoration: Stained Glass as Architecture in Mexico

Poppy Templeton is a Melbourne-based stained glass artist undertaking applied research in Mexico, where stained glass operates as an integral architectural element within civic, non-religious contexts.

In contrast to its more decorative role in Australia, Mexican stained glass is embedded within the design process from the earliest stages, with traditional leadlighters working in close collaboration with architects to shape light, space, and public experience.

By embedding within established studios, Poppy will gain access to lineage-based techniques in large-scale construction and installation that are currently unavailable in Australia. Her research aims to reposition stained glass as a viable and dynamic architectural material, expanding its potential within contemporary Australian practice.

Looking Ahead

Together, the 2026 Mason Family Trust Fellows highlight the enduring relevance of material knowledge and the importance of cross-cultural exchange in shaping future practice. Through their research, Brenda and Poppy will bridge tradition and innovation, reviving historic techniques while opening new pathways for contemporary expression in Australia’s creative landscape.