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.
The National Art School acknowledges that for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and for many other Australians, January 26 is a day of sorrow — marking deep loss, as well as survival.
Across Australia today, communities are coming together to reflect, connect and mark the day respectfully. The National Art School is committed to listening, learning and moving forward together.
For information about events visit antar.org.au and https://whatson.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/events/australia-day-sydney
Jan 26
Thank you to all who joined us at last night’s opening.
SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art continues until 11 April.
Open Monday to Saturday, 11am–5pm.
Jan 23
Opening tonight—SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art at the National Art School Gallery.
Curated by Fiona Lowry and Katrina Cashman, SEARCHERS brings together more than 35 artists spanning four decades to explore the intersection of contemporary art and graffiti culture, and the enduring impact of spray paint on both.
Featuring Ben Aitken, Howard Arkley, BAGL, BREAK, Andrew Browne, Daniel Crooks, Adam Cullen, Mikala Dwyer, Dale Frank, Shaun Gladwell, Brendan Huntley, Rhys John Kaye, Luke Kennedy, LAZY, Mim Libro, Fiona Lowry, Eddie Martin, MACH, Tony McGillick, Paul McNeil, TV Moore, Callum Morton, Tresor Murace, Sidney Nolan, POWER, Ben Quilty, Scott Redford, Reko Rennie, RUM, Leslie Rice, Joan Ross, Khaled Sabsabi, Tim Silver, SNAIL, SPICE, Bridget Stehli, Maya Stocks, Latai Taumoepeau and TAVEN
Join us from 6–9pm this evening to celebrate the opening of this major new exhibition, presented as part of @sydney_festival.
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Installation view, SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art, 2026, photograph: Zan Wimberley
Jan 22
Now open: Art Club enrolments for students aged 15–17
Led by practicing artists, these weekly after-school workshops are designed to develop technical skills and foster a community of like-minded peers.
Book now for Term 1 🔗 in bio.
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Photos: Peter Morgan
Jan 19
SEARCHERS: Graffiti and Contemporary Art
17 January – 11 April 2026
Opening event: Thursday 22 January, 6–9pm
A major exhibition exploring the politics and poetics of spray
With Ben Aitken, Howard Arkley, BAGL, BREAK, Andrew Browne, Daniel Crooks, Adam Cullen, Mikala Dwyer, Dale Frank, Shaun Gladwell, Brendan Huntley, Rhys John Kaye, Luke Kennedy, LAZY, Mim Libro, Fiona Lowry, Eddie Martin, MACH, Tony McGillick, Paul McNeil, TV Moore, Callum Morton, Tresor Murace, Sidney Nolan, POWER, Ben Quilty, Scott Redford, Reko Rennie, RUM, Leslie Rice, Joan Ross, Khaled Sabsabi, Tim Silver, SNAIL, SPICE, Bridget Stehli, Maya Stocks, Latai Taumoepeau and TAVEN
Presented as part of @sydney_festival
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Photography: @zanwimberley
Jan 16
Final call! This is your last chance to apply for our BFA degree for 2026.
Applications close 29 January.
Apply now 🔗 in bio.
Jan 12
