SMH: ‘At last she is being heard’: Valerie Strong, matriarch of the Olsen family, has first solo exhibition
:quality(82)/media/news/Valerie_web-banner1.jpg)
SMH: ‘At last she is being heard’: Valerie Strong, matriarch of the Olsen family, has first solo exhibition
Article by Linda Morris
Valerie Strong was a student at East Sydney Technical College when John Olsen was briefly a teacher. The man who is now one of Australia’s most famous living artists praised Strong’s marks on paper: “I should have done that. I wish I’d done that line.”
That first interaction led to a passionate marriage, two children, divorce and the beginnings of a living artistic dynasty that has, for the most part, revolved around the glittering orb that is the career of Olsen, the Archibald Prize-winning painter.
A new exhibition, however, finally puts the focus on the unsung work of Strong, who died in 2011. It will be held at the National Art School, her alma mater, and is curated by her children, Tim and Louise, who knew her best.
Read more through the link below.
Image: Louise, Valerie and Tim, 1983. Photo: John Lewis
Latest News
Monday 23 February 2026
:quality(82)/media/HERO-IMAGE.jpg)
Monday 23 February 2026
An exclusive new commission opportunity is now open to National Art School alumni who have graduated within the past five years, made possible through NAS Foundation member and award-winning architect and interior designer Blainey North.Fishnets, a new Japanese restaurant opening in Bronte, is seeking an artist to create a large-scale artwork across the restaurant interior and exterior. This is a…
Thursday 11 December 2025
:quality(82)/media/Awards-2025_272-2048x1366.jpg)
Thursday 11 December 2025
Major AwardsClitheroe Foundation Master of Fine Art Scholarship (2 x $10,000)Jed Payten and Nikita MaricicLift Off Award ($20,000)Frankie AbroonStandish and Co. Scholarship ($5,000, mentorship, and $5,000 voucher)Harri BarnesFire Up Award ($5,000)Lihnida Krstanoska-BlazeskaFire Up Award Highly Commended ($1,000)Cristelle CabreraEast Sydney Doctors Scholarship ($5,000)Rose RigleyNational Art Schoo…
Tuesday 30 September 2025
:quality(82)/media/news/board-announcement-new-photo.png)
Tuesday 30 September 2025
We are pleased to welcome three distinguished individuals to our Board of Directors. Each of our new board members brings a wealth of expertise, insight, and passion for the arts. Their diverse backgrounds and commitment to creative excellence will play a pivotal role in guiding NAS into its next chapter. Please join us in warmly welcoming: Emilya Colliver, Helen Lochhead AO and Lucy Keeler. Emil…