The Australian Guild of Realist Artists, which was rescued by Lulu Clifton-Evans after it officially closed in June 2023, now operates nationwide with the help of directors around Australia. The AGRA Magazine was created for members and art lovers as part of the program.

 Pictured at the AGRA 50th Anniversary Exhibition at the Victorian Artists Society:

Top left: AGRA NSW Director Grace Paleg, Lyn Mellady (a Judge and former President)

and AGRA Director John Baker

Second row: Walter Magilton (a Judge) and AGRA Director from Shepparton Christine Broersen

Front row: Barbara McManus (a Judge), AGRA President Lulu Clifton-Evans holding the new AGRA Magazine and former AGRA President Colin Johnson. Colin was the third president after Charles McCubbin.

AGRA 50th ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION

Viewing until Monday 9 December 2024

Frater, McCubbin and Hammond Galleries

https://vasgallery.org.au/AGRA-50th-Anniversary-Exhibition~104135

The Australian Guild of Realist Artists was formed in 1974 by the distinguished artists Sir William Dargie, Paul Fitzgerald AM, Kathlyn Ballard OAM and Kenneth Jack OAM, for the purpose of actively promoting and celebrating realist art in Australia.

The Australian Guild of Realist Artists - AGRA 50th Anniversary Exhibition offers more than $5000 worth of prizes including collectable works by historic founding artists such as Kenneth Jack and Kath Ballard and is open to full members. The Guild was formed 50 years ago by founders which include eight-times Archibald winner Sir William Dargie.

Image left: Kath Ballard

The AGRA Founders Award for Best In Show will provide $1000 to the winning artist and is named in honour of these historic figures.

This 50th Anniversary Exhibition offers opportunities for artists in all mediums with multiple awards and prizes. It also offers workshops by David Chen, Lyn Mellady and Grace Paleg with a demonstration by Julian Bruere. 

Read more HERE for AGRA Schedule of Events.

THE KENNETH JACK 100 – TREASURES OF A LIFETIME

Viewing until Monday 9 December 2024

Cato Gallery

https://vasgallery.org.au/The-Kenneth-Jack-100-Treasures-of-a-Lifetime~104766

The Kenneth Jack Memorial Drawing Award is part of the AGRA 50th Anniversary Exhibition and honours the legacy of Kenneth Jack who helped create the Australian Guild of Realist Artists.

Image left: Kenneth Jack

The drawing prize is open to members of AGRA.

Details of the drawing prize can be found at www.agra.org.au

The Australian Guild of Realist Artists

Award categories

AGRA Founders Award for Best in Show - Grace Paleg

Prize: $500 and; $500 art voucher - theartshop.com.au in Bayswater

Kath Ballard Best Watercolour Award - Colin Shaw

Prize: collectable Kath Ballard watercolour $200 art voucher – theartshop.com.au in Bayswater

Kenneth Jack Memorial Drawing Award - Sarah Ackland

Prize: collectable Kenneth Jack drawing worth $1,500

$200 art voucher – theartshop.com.au in Bayswater

McCubbin Oil Painting Award​ - Jo Reitze

Prize: $500 art voucher - Melbourne Art Supplies

Jeff Williams Memorial Portrait and Figurative Award - Barbara McManus

​Prize: $500 art voucher - Dean Art Supplies

Best Landscape/Seascape - Jo Reitze

​Prize: $500 art voucher - Senior Art Supplies

Best Still Life - Angelo Quabba

​Prize: $200 art voucher - Victorian Artists Supplies, Eltham

Best Pastel - Anne Melloy

​Prize: $200 art voucher - Atelier Art Supplies

Best Acrylic - Cynthia Venn

​Prize: $200 art voucher – theartshop.com.au in Bayswater

Student Award

$100 voucher – theartshop.com.au - Kate Clark

$100 art voucher – Senior Art Supplies - Rodger Stebbing

The Australian Guild of Realist Artists

Presentation of an original Kenneth Jack lino cut print to Colin and Val Johnson to replace the one that was lost in the fire - which Kenneth Jack originally gifted to them as a wedding present in 1965.

They were both tearful in memory and gratitude.

Colin said both the replacement of the work and the re-emergence of AGRA had restored his world to some extent after the fire.

Image above- left back: David (Kenneth Jack's son) and his sister Heather Wickstead

Front: Colin and Val Johnson

Guests at the AGRA 50th Anniversary Exhibition opening

Photography of the AGRA 50th Anniversary Exhibition opening by Ron Smith OAM Hon FVAS

Media Enquiries:

Ron Smith OAM Hon FVAS - Mobile: 0417 329 201

The Victorian Artists Society

430 Albert Street

East Melbourne

Opening Hours:

10am - 4pm weekdays

11am - 4pm weekends during exhibitions

Tel: 03 9662 1484

The Victorian Artists Society

https://vasgallery.org.au