Gail Harradine has been one of 35 artists shortlisted for the Victorian Indigenous Art Awards.

Out of the three works Ms Harradine submitted for judging, two were shortlisted.

Harradine said her first work nominated, Mussel shells, was a lino print which represented creation stories from her indigenous background.

Her second piece, Young women - nan nan gurk, is a painting inspired by adolescent women in her life connecting to their culture.

"My work is about my heritage in the Wimmera and my connection to the country," she said.

Harradine grew up in Dimboola and now resides in Horsham.

She was shortlisted for the awards once before in 2005 but has not entered any works to the judging panel until this year.

Ms Harradine said the awards were a good opportunity for the state's indigenous art community to be recognised.

"It's pretty special to celebrate our works," she said.

"We do have difficulty being recognised because art from central Australia is so strong.

"We have a different style in the south-east and we have our own stories to tell.

"It's important to make sure everyone has a voice."

Ms Harradine has the chance to win in six categories including the Deadly Art Award which comes with a $30,000 prize.

The tenth annual Victorian Indigenous Art Awards will be announced August 8 at the Art Gallery of Ballarat.

An awards exhibition will run at the gallery from August 9 to September 20.