Visual Arts News
Success at the 2026 Clancy Prize Religious Art Exhibition
On Friday 16 October, students, families and staff attended the opening of the 2026 Clancy Prize Religious Art Exhibition at the ACU McGlade Gallery, Strathfield.
The Clancy Prize showcases outstanding student artworks from Sydney Catholic Schools and invites young artists to engage with faith through creative practice. This year’s theme, Origins to Destiny: From Genesis to Salvation, encouraged students to reflect on creation, identity, faith and the journey of salvation through visual art.
We were delighted to have six artworks selected for exhibition, representing the talent, creativity and thoughtful artistic investigations of our students.
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of Blueprints of Belonging, a collaborative Year 8 lino print installation that received 3rd Place in the Monsignor Doherty Prize (Stage 4 & 5). Created in response to the exhibition theme, the work brought together individual student prints exploring identity, faith, culture, family and belonging. Through a collection of personal symbols arranged as a unified installation, the artwork celebrated both the uniqueness of each student and the connections shared within a diverse community.
Congratulations to Costanza, Isabella, Laura, Mary, Rosalie, Aurelia and Sabrina on exhibiting their work in the 2026 Clancy Prize Religious Art Exhibition and proudly representing the College among talented young artists from across Sydney Catholic Schools.
The exhibition remains open to the public from 16-23 October 2026 at the ACU McGlade Gallery, Strathfield. We encourage members of our College community to visit and experience the diverse and inspiring artworks on display.
We are incredibly proud of all students involved and commend them on their creativity, dedication and willingness to engage thoughtfully with this year’s theme through their artistic practice.
National Art School Success
The Creative Arts Department is delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievements of five Year 11 Visual Arts students who have completed the prestigious National Art School (NAS) HSC Intensive Studio Practice Program 2026.
This course is the contemporary equivalent of the former 3 Unit Visual Arts Extension Course, now delivered externally by the National Art School, Darlinghurst. The program provides highly committed Visual Arts students with the opportunity to undertake advanced studio practice beyond the standard HSC course. Entry is highly competitive, with students selected through an application process that attracts hundreds of talented young artists from across New South Wales.
Congratulations to:
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Keira D. – Still Photography
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Sabella H. – Life Drawing
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Lydia L. – Time-Based Forms
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Katelyn R. – Time-Based Forms
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Laura T. – Life Drawing
Across the two intensive modules undertaken in the school holidays, students developed and resolved a series of artworks within their chosen discipline taught by practising artists and industry professionals.
We look forward to seeing how the knowledge, skills, and artistic confidence gained through this program influence and enrich the students’ future Bodies of Work. Congratulations to Keira, Sabella, Lydia, Katelyn, and Laura on this exceptional achievement.
MSCW Students Shine at the Hunters Hill Young in Art Prize
Marist Sisters College Woolwich students achieved outstanding success at the 2026 Hunters Hill Young in Art Prize, receiving 8 of the 14 awards presented across the Senior Categories.
Highlights included Lydia L., whose artwork Threads That Bind was awarded Senior Overall Runner Up, and Laura T., who won the Years 11 & 12 Category for Reconstructing Her. Students were also recognised across the Senior Group, Digital, Sculpture and Years 9 & 10 categories.
Collectively, MSCW students received $640 in prize money, reflecting the exceptional creativity, skill and dedication of our young artists. We congratulate all award recipients and thank our Visual Arts students and staff for their continued commitment to artistic excellence.
Year 10 Student Recognised in the 2026 Transurban Art Prize
We are delighted to congratulate Se Jin (Year 10) on receiving Second Place in the Year 10 category of the 2026 Transurban Art Prize for her artwork, Chromadrive.
The competition invited students to explore how roads, tunnels and bridges connect communities, shape cities and contribute to the future of our urban environment. Se Jin’s work was recognised by the judging panel for its creativity, technical skill and innovative approach to the theme.
This outstanding achievement reflects Se Jin’s dedication to her artistic practice and her ability to communicate ideas through engaging visual imagery. As part of her award, Se Jin received a $250 Eckersley’s Art & Craft voucher.
We congratulate Se Jin on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to seeing her continue to develop as a young artist.
