John Bokor's 'Arthur Street House', 2004, oil on board. Recipient of the 2004 'Open Prize'.
John Bokor, Tom Carment and Wendy Sharpe are featured in the new exhibition celebrating ’40 Years of the Waverley Art Prize’, on display at the Waverley Library, until Aug. 23
Celebrating 40 years of the Waverley Art Prize, this vibrant exhibition brings together a selection of winning works from one of New South Wales’ most long-standing art prizes. Marking a milestone year, the show highlights the breadth, range, and innovation of the artists who have helped shape this national art prize and much-loved fixture of the local cultural calendar.
Spanning four decades and featuring artwork by John Bokor, Tom Carment, Janet Laurence, Rosemary Lee, PhilJames, Wendy Sharpe and Nicola Smith, the exhibition showcases a wide range of ideas and approaches, reflecting the diversity and calibre of artists who have entered the painting and drawing prize since it began.
Established in 1986, the Waverley Art Prize started as a community-focused prize supporting local artists. It has since grown into a nationally recognised award for emerging and mid-career practitioners with finalist and winner alumni among the country’s most respected contemporary artists.
Featuring works by past winners alongside photographs and archival material drawn from Waverley Council’s local history collection, this exhibition highlights the Prize’s ongoing support for artists and its strong ties to community and place. Together, these works tell the story of the Waverley Art Prize from 1986 to 2026, inviting visitors to revisit familiar favourites, discover new ones, and celebrate the artists who have helped make the Prize what it is today.
Exhibition Dates: Until August 23, 2026
Waverley Library: Ron Lander Centre, 32-48 Denison Street, Bondi Junction, NSW 2022
Opening hours Monday to Friday 9:30am–9pm Saturday 9:30am–5pm Sunday 9.30am–5pm.
