Article by Gina Fairley
The centenarian puts his longevity down to a whiskey every night, just getting on with it, and not listening too much to art theory. ArtsHub talks to NAS Fellow and alumnus about ageism, the environment, drive and his advice for the next generation of painters.
Read the full article through the link below.
Photo: Peter Morgan
There`s still time to make a tax deductible donation towards our Pathways Program this EOFY.
To everyone who has already donated, thank you. Your support helps ensure the National Art School is accessible to people from all backgrounds.
Visit link in our bio today to find our more, and help us create crucial pathways to propel our students and alumni to become leading international artists.
Jun 25
The National Art School is saddened to hear of the passing of Fellow and alumnus Kevin Connor at the age of 92 (1932-2025).
In 1948, at the age of 16, he enrolled as a night student at what was then called East Sydney Technical College, while training as a commercial artist in the city. His employer paid the fees for his art classes.
In later years he recalled that he had a life changing experience at art school, when he realised that: ‘The nature of art is both enigmatic and non-commercial - a realisation that has stayed with me well into my old age.’
A prolific and dedicated artist, Kevin Connor held more than 70 solo exhibitions throughout his life, including exhibiting in the Archibald Prize over 25 times. Connor won the Archibald Prize in 1975 and 1977, the Sulman Prize in 1991 and 1997, and the Dobell Prize for Drawing in 1992 and 2005. He was the Harkness Fellow in New York from 1966 to 1968 and a Trustee of the Art Gallery of New South Wales from 1981 to 1987.
Connor was a much respected teacher, and he lectured in painting and drawing at the National Art School, among other colleges, between 1972 and 1987.
The first major survey of his work was held at the AGNSW in 1989. In 2006, Hendrik Kolenberg curated a major retrospective of Connor’s drawing, sculpture and painting at AGNSW.
In 2016, Connor was made a Fellow of the National Art School, and he donated works to the National Art School Collection when he was included in the exhibition ‘National Art: Part One’ in the NAS Gallery 2018.
The National Art School offers its deepest sympathies to Kevin Connor’s family and friends.
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Kevin Connor, aged 15, 1947, photo courtesy Connor family; Ann Cape, `Kevin Connor`, 1974, pencil on paper, 26.5 x 24.5cm, NAS Collection, gift of Ann Cape 2011; Kevin Connor, `Haymarket Morning`, 2013, oil on canvas, 102 x 122cm, NAS Collection, gift of Kevin Connor 2018
Jun 25
We’re looking for an Event Manager - Application Deadline Sunday 29 June
The Event Manager will have strong experience in hospitality, licensed venue operations, and event delivery. This role delivers a wide range of internal and external events, including Graduate Shows, Gallery Openings, Public Programs, Fundraisers, and Open Day. NAS also operates as a commercial venue, hiring the Cell Block Theatre for weddings, corporate events, and product launches.
Apply at the link in bio.
Jun 22
Call out for all National Art School alumni and staff: There are only 8 days left to apply for two international residency opportunities for 2026: The Onslow Storrier NAS Residency La Cité Internationale Des Arts, Paris and The British School at Rome.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant art scenes of two iconic European cities, Paris and Rome, and further develop your artistic practice in an enriching cultural environment.
Visit our website for more information and apply before Sunday 29 June 2025 (link in bio).
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Sophia Lee Georgas BSR Open Studio, 2023, image courtesy and © The British School at Rome; Harry de Vries BSR Open Studio, 2024, image courtesy and © The British School at Rome
Jun 21
Today is ‘Take Your Dog to Work’ day! And we`ve brought the whole kennel, courtesy of the National Art School Collection.
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Frank Pearson (Captain Starlight), ‘Two dogs, a white donkey and sailing boats’, 1890, watercolour on paper, Gift of Allan Harding to the NAS Archive & Collection; Margaret Woodward, ‘Dog (Bull Mastiff)’, 1997, watercolour and ink on paper, Gift of Britt Clapson to the NAS Archive & Collection; Bruce Latimer, ‘Gardens full of dogs’, 1973, screenprint on paper edition AP, Gift of Bruce Latimer to the NAS Archive & Collection; Lorna Nimmo ‘Sleeping dog’, pencil on paper; Vivienne Littlejohn, ‘It’s a Dog’s Life’, 1983, woodcut on paper, Gift of Joy Dandie to the NAS Archive & Collection; image courtesy the artists and National Art School © artists.
From the National Art School Collection. The Collection performs a major role within the National Art School, both as a teaching resource and historical record. Visit our website to find out more about the works in our collection.
Jun 20
Last days to make a tax deductible donation and support the next generation of artists through the Pathways Program.
Your donation this EOFY is vital to help us build a more inclusive and vibrant arts community. Your donation supports a range of programs such as the Student Hardship Fund, Scholarships and Residencies. Help create crucial pathways for talented artists.
Visit link in bio to donate now.
`I think when you walk into the campus, it feels like a sanctuary for a lot of people.` (Samuel Chan, NAS Alumnus 2024)
Jun 19
