By Lesley Apps
NAS alumna and lecturer, Blue Mountains-based artist Catherine O’Donnell is a case in point that it’s never too late to pick up and pursue a career you feel passionate about.
The successful artist raised four children before heading off to TAFE in 2000 “to do something for herself” fuelled by a love of drawing she had carried with her since she was a child.
Image: Catherine O’Donnell, supplied.
Save on Summer School 2026 short courses!
Enrol online before Monday 15 December 2025 to receive 10% off.
Designed for students of all levels and led by professional artist-educators, these focused five-day courses build practical skills, confidence and creative thinking across a range of disciplines.
Learn more 🔗 in bio
Dec 13
We are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the Prudence MacLeod Prize.
The Prudence MacLeod Prize, which will continue for a further three years, supports a recent National Art School graduate to undertake a six-month residency at @acme.art, London.
Supported by the Lansdowne Foundation, the Prize provides an emerging artist with an opportunity to step forward into an expanded, international context at a vital time in their career. The artist will live and work in London, one of the world`s great art cities, in a supportive artist community. This important opportunity will enable the artist to forge professional international contacts, explore London`s art world and rich cultural resources, and produce a new body of work.
The recipient of this Prize will receive:
– Return travel to London. To be arranged for the artist by NAS.
– Studio accommodation and workspace at Acme Studios for 6 months.
– Living stipend of $AUD3,500 per month for 6 months. Total $AUD21,000.
Application deadline: Sunday 1 February 2026, 11.59pm
Residency: Monday 6 July – Friday 18 December 2026
The Prudence MacLeod Prize is open to eligible NAS alumni who have graduated within the past five years and meet the selection criteria.
Learn more 🔗 in bio.
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Acme Fire Station, 30 Gillender Street, 1999 © Acme Archive
Dec 11
Congratulations to all students recognised in last night`s awards ceremony!
A special acknowledgement to our major award recipients: Jed Payten, Nikita Maricic, Frankie Abroon, Harri Barnes, Lihnida Krstanoska-Blazeska, Cristelle Cabrera, Rose Rigley, Indi Wolstenholme, Lucy Russell and Majlena Muecke.
Thank you to our dedicated lecturers and technicians for their guidance and support throughout the year, and to our generous benefactors and sponsors whose commitment makes these prizes possible.
This year also marked the introduction of @arts__matter Creative Futures Award, supporting 25 BFA and MFA students as they transition from graduation into early professional practice.
🔗 in bio to view all the recipients.
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Photography: Tim Connolly
Dec 11
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the opening of The Grad Show!
Find works by this year`s cohort exhibited throughout the NAS campus until 14 December. Open daily from 11am — 5pm and until 9pm on Fridays.
View online via 🔗 in bio.
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Video: Tim Connolly
Dec 5
Introducing Sosiua Pouhila Afa, Luuk Zilich and Amelia Schremmer, three of our graduating students in Sculpture.
Celebrate the future of contemporary art at The Grad Show Opening Night, Thursday 4 December.
RSVP link in bio.
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Sosiua Pouhila Afa
`Grounding`
video installation, sound
90 x 57 x 32 cm
Luuk Zilich
`Echo`
limestone block
22 x 29 x 29 cm
Amelia Schremmer
`Untitled`
menstrual blood-based bioplastic
60 x 38 x 0.5 cm
Portrait: @soybased_snack
Documentation: Peter Morgan
Dec 3
Introducing Mia McCall, Dawn Toerien McGuire, Jillian Nalty and Sarah Parker, four of our graduating students in Sculpture.
Celebrate the future of contemporary art at The Grad Show Opening Night, Thursday 4 December.
RSVP link in bio.
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Mia McCall
`Horse in Bag`
earthenware, plastic
43 x 29 x 17 cm
Dawn Toerien McGuire
`Loud Thought`
linen, cotton, grosgrain ribbon, thread
196 x 70 cm
Jillian Nalty
`Slippery Bit`
plaster, paraffin wax, oil,
found ceramic tiles
70 x 30 x 30 cm
Sarah Parker
`Sharp Objects`
wool, resin, steel
45 x 35 x 35 cm
Portrait: @soybased_snack
Documentation: Peter Morgan
Dec 3
