There’s something instantly nostalgic about Sharon Cassidy’s artwork. The Newcastle-based artist has built a loyal following through her retro-inspired prints celebrating local beaches and landmarks, and in 2026, her work will take centre stage at one of the city’s most-loved events.
Sharon has been selected to design the official t-shirt for the Evolution Charity Cup, held during Newcastle’s iconic Surfest competition, with all proceeds supporting Emma’s Warriors and seriously ill tweens and teens.For Sharon, the opportunity is both creative and deeply personal.
“If I can support charity events in any way – whether by donating art or including them in our markets – I always will,” she says. “I’ve always admired the work Emma’s Warriors do. The family behind it is truly beautiful.”
A lifelong creative journey
Sharon’s path to becoming a full-time artist has been decades in the making. A lifelong creative, she studied in Newcastle after finishing high school and spent years balancing paid work with her passion for art.
“Like many creatives, I worked various jobs over the years that paid the bills but weren’t always art-related,” she says. “I never stopped striving to do what I love, hoping one day it could become my full-time focus.”
Now in her early 50s, Sharon describes finally reaching that point as deeply fulfilling. “I’m incredibly grateful that this is now happening – it’s such a fulfilling feeling to finally get there.”
The pull of nostalgia
Sharon’s distinctive retro style, inspired by mid-century design and the bold patterns of the 1950s and 60s, wasn’t something she consciously set out to build, but it quickly became her visual signature.
“I studied interior design, and the mid-century era really does something good to my brain,” she laughs. “Interestingly, this style found its way into my art almost by accident.”
That accident came in the form of a birthday card created for her now son-in-law – a surfer with a love of old surf posters. Around the same time, Sharon was navigating vision loss and teaching herself Procreate, which made digital illustration more accessible.
“He loved the card, others started asking for prints, and it all grew from there.”
“Like many creatives, I worked various jobs over the years that paid the bills but weren’t always art-related,” she says. “I never stopped striving to do what I love, hoping one day it could become my full-time focus.”
Inspired by the coastline
Newcastle’s beaches and landmarks are central to Sharon’s work – places that resonate not just visually, but emotionally too.
“We truly have one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world,” she says. “Everyone seems to have a memory or nostalgic connection to these iconic places, which makes them so meaningful to illustrate.”
Many of her pieces are inspired by suggestions from the local community, a collaborative process that reflects how closely her work is tied to place. “I honestly feel like I’ve only scratched the surface,” she says.
Designing for the Evolution Charity Cup
Being selected to design the 2026 Evolution Charity Cup t-shirt brings together many threads of Sharon’s creative life – from her retro aesthetic to her early experience in screen printing.
“I’ll be staying true to my retro style, while also being mindful of how the design will translate to print,” she says. “I actually worked in screen printing early on after art school, so that knowledge definitely comes into play.”
The final artwork, she says, will be simplified but impactful. “I hope it does Newcastle, Emma’s Warriors and Evolution Advisers proud.”
Sharon’s distinctive retro style, inspired by mid-century design and the bold patterns of the 1950s and 60s, wasn’t something she consciously set out to build, but it quickly became her visual signature.
“I studied interior design, and the mid-century era really does something good to my brain,” she laughs. “Interestingly, this style found its way into my art almost by accident.”
Building creative community on Darby Street
Alongside her own art practice, Sharon is also co-founder of Made on Darby, a creative collective store she runs with Michelle Bryant on Darby Street.
“We provide space for local creators, designers and makers, selling their work on their behalf,” she explains. “We currently represent 16 businesses, including our own.”
The store has become a vibrant part of the local creative ecosystem, with plans for more classes, experiences and events, including another Darby Street Festival later in the year.
Looking ahead to 2026
With no shortage of ideas and momentum behind her, Sharon is looking to the year ahead with excitement.
“Creating more artwork is definitely high on the list,” she says. “I’m also excited to explore new product lines featuring my art.”
Between Made on Darby, the Merewether Markets and projects like the Evolution Charity Cup, it’s shaping up to be a big year for Sharon – one grounded in creativity, community and giving back.
Give Sharon a follow on Instagram!
About the Evolution Charity Cup
The 9th Evolution Charity Cup will run at Merewether Beach on 5 March 2026 as an integral part of Surfest as they celebrate their 40th anniversary and showcase the WSL challenger series of 2026. The 2026 Evolution Charity Cup will once again be a tag-team-style surfing event, with all fundraising to go to Emma’s Warriors. Find more info on the Cup here.
