Almost 60 members of the Kambala community enjoyed the exclusive KOGU Archibald Prize 2017 Tours at the Art Gallery of NSW in August 2017.

The annual Archibald Prize is eagerly anticipated by artists and audiences alike. First awarded in 1921, it is one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious art awards. Judged by the trustees of the Art Gallery of NSW and awarded to the best portrait painting, the Archibald Prize exhibition is a who’s who of Australian culture – from politicians to celebrities, sporting heroes to artists.

Sydney artist Mitch Cairns, a four-time Archibald Prize finalist, won the 2017 Archibald Prize with a stylised portrait of his artist-partner, Agatha Gothe-Snape.

It was lovely to see the inclusion of the portrait by the boys of Sydney Grammar Edgecliff Preparatory School.  Their subject was Dr John Vallance who retired in April after nearly 18 years as headmaster. The portrait consisted of 11,000 blocks and was painted by 301 boys, aged five to 12.

The series of Archibald Tours continue to gain in popularity and KOGU plan to support the Archibald again in 2018. 

Pictured left to right: Rachel Scanlon ‘87, Rebecca Sinnott and Amber Cerny ‘90
Pictured back row: Lou Playfair ‘80, Judy Playfair ‘71, KOGU Vice President Jane Poole ‘79,
Front row: Annalise Scanlan ‘80, Jo-Ann See ’79, Antonia Murphy ’80 and John Negrine.