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.
Chroma (@chroma_inc) has generously supported our youth outreach programs with a supply of high-quality paints.
Each year, the National Art School welcomes talented young artists to develop their skills in our studios with expert artist educators.
We are thrilled to use Chroma’s A2, Atelier, and Jo Sonia range of paints in our HSC Studio Intensive Program and Art Club this year.
Jul 29
The National Art School was saddened to hear of the recent death of artist and NAS alumnus Bruce Goold (1948-2025).
Born in Newcastle in 1948, from 1961- 65 Bruce attended Sydney Grammar School, where he studied art with ceramicist and potter Gordon McCausland. This was followed by a year at the National Art School, Newcastle. Here he experimented with various mediums and made his first linocut. He then studied at the National Art School, c. 1967-68.
Bruce was a member of the artist collective Yellow House between 1970-72. The former Clune Gallery in Kings Cross was transformed by Martin Sharp and a group of fellow artists, who painted the exterior bright yellow and covered its internal walls with murals, portraits and decoration. Artists such as Brett Whiteley, Peter Wright, Bruce Goold, Greg Weight and Peter Kingston turned the building into an artwork, while visiting bands and celebrities made it a regular fixture of the Sydney scene.
Known principally as a printmaker, Goold created coloured linocuts and woodblocks including many images of Australian flora and fauna, as well as South Pacific inspired esoteric and symbolic subjects. He held solo exhibitions in Sydney, Melbourne and internationally in London and Ireland. He received major commissions for poster, logo and interior design and worked as a designer for Mambo from 1992.
A retrospective exhibition, Bruce Goold, Artist, Designer, Printmaker, curated by Therese Kenyon, was held at Manly Art Gallery & Museum in 2008.
The National Art School extends its sympathies to Bruce’s family and many friends.
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Greg Weight, `Bruce Goold`, 1998, NAS Collection
Jul 28
BFA3 Ceramics students opened their new exhibition `Answer` at the NAS Library Stairwell gallery yesterday.
The exhibition features work from @liceylover, @ari_lahiri, @bbeth.mp4, @bonkzito, @nature.girle, @caity_gal, @damian.sawyers, @danaetsap_, @darcy_phelan, @jasmine.greenwood, @janet_jiahui_wu, Mary Bradhurst, @meljheyart, @paigehottwagner and @soph.shep.
The Library Stairwell Gallery is a dedicated space in the Library for NAS student exhibitions. BFA 2, BFA 3 and MFA students are eligible to apply to have a show in the Gallery. Follow @nas_library for forthcoming exhibition opening details.
Jul 25
Got a young artist at home?
Art Club Term 3 is now open for enrolment — and we’ve got an exciting painting program lined up. This term, kids will explore styles like Expressive Acrylics and Contemporary Watercolour, all while building their confidence and creativity.
Monday afternoons, led by artist and educator Grant Bellamy.
Visit the link in bio to learn more and enrol.
Jul 17
Thank you to everyone who attended the opening night and weekend celebrations for The Neighbour at the Gate.
The Neighbour at the Gate is now open until Saturday 18 October 2025
11am – 5pm Monday to Saturday
NAS Gallery
Free admission, all welcome
Plan your visit at the link in bio.
Jul 15
Announcing Nakari Thorpe as the chair for the Artists and Curators Panel Talk for The Neighbour at the Gate this Saturday 12 July.
Nakari Thorpe is a Gunnai, Gunditjmara and Gooreng Gooreng woman from Victoria and Queensland. She is a presenter and Indigenous Communities reporter with ABC News based in Sydney providing coverage across television, radio and digital. She previously worked as a multi-platform reporter with SBS and NITV covering federal politics in the Canberra Press Gallery at Parliament House and national Indigenous affairs.
Join us for the talk in our historic Cell Block Theatre, 12pm – 1pm on Saturday 12 July, as part of our opening weekend celebrations. Secure your spot and view the full program at the link in bio.
Jul 9
