Walcha Open Air Gallery and Arts

27/01/2026

Walcha sculptor Stephen King has been awarded a well-deserved Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his lifelong service to the visual arts.

In 1996 Stephen founded Walcha’s renowned Open Air Gallery, and through his dedication, care and commitment, the collection has grown to be one of the largest permanent open-air galleries in Australia, and a major tourist attraction for the region.

Stephen has been the recipient of many awards through his career, including winner of 2013 Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi Macquarie Group Sculpture Prize, 2022 the acclaimed Artists' Prize at the Palmer Sculpture Biennial SA, 2020 Sculpture in the Vineyards at the Wollombi Sculpture Festival and Sculpture in the Garden winner in Mudgee to name a few.

Congratulations Stephen! Thank you for your dedication and incredible service to Walcha and the arts. What a legacy.

www.walchansw.com.au/art-in-walcha

Image 1: Stephen King with his work Balancing the Books 2010
Image 1: Generation Stick - Walcha Open Air Gallery - installed 2000
Image 3: Weather Signs - Walcha Open Air Gallery - installed 1996

27/01/2026

Congratulations Stephen King! Stephen is the founder of Walcha’s renowned Open Air Gallery, and has been awarded an OAM for his service to visual arts. Very well deserved.

27/10/2025

James Rogers from NSW, announced as the $70,000 Aqualand Australia Sculpture Award recipient at the opening of Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi 2025, presents 'Siren’s Song'. The work reflects the idea, drawn from the character Jack Aubrey in Patrick O’Brian’s novels, that “saltwater washes away disappointments, among other things.”

Based in Walcha, Rogers is regarded as one of Australia’s leading sculptors and a member of the Sculpture by the Sea Double Decade Club. This year marks his 21st exhibition at Bondi, including participation in the inaugural 1997 event.

Rogers said: “Having worked with the Sculpture by the Sea team for many years now, it really means a lot to be recognised in this way,” in recognition of receiving the Aqualand Sculpture Award.

Discover more about 'Siren’s Song' through the Exhibition Catalogue or the Sculpture by the Sea App.

Sculpture by the Sea continues through its final week, until Monday 3 November.

Image: James Rogers (New South Wales), ‘Siren’s Song’, Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi 2025. Photo Henri Fanti.

24/10/2025

Walcha sculptor James Rogers' work Siren's Song has won the 2025 Sculpture by the Sea, Aqualand Sculpture Award. Congratulations James!

James is recognised as one of Australia’s pre-eminent sculptors. He has previously exhibited in Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi 20 times, including in the very first exhibition in 1997.

Many of James’ incredible works feature in Walcha’s renowned Open Air Gallery: Song Cycle (and its maquette), Toll Gate, The Plough, Barrow, A Wing and a Prayer — as well as collaborations like Beacon (with Stephen King & Michael Purdy) and Headwaters (with Mark Walker).

Explore Walcha's open air gallery of public art for yourself. A free Open Air Gallery Brochure & Map are available from the Walcha Visitor Information Centre, or can be downloaded at www.walchansw.com.au/maps-guides

Image: Siren's Song Sculpture by the Sea

06/11/2024

‘The Whale’ by Alan Hubble 2010.

This leviathan made from galvanised steel stands five and a half metres tall and breaches majestically from the grass beside the Apsley River. A sight to behold!

The Whale is no. 42 in Walcha’s Open Air Gallery and Sculpture Trail.

17/10/2024

Even the street furniture in Walcha is Art!

Pictured is ‘The Cocktail Lounge’ 2001 - by Stephen Killick from Wauchope. This amazing sculpture is located on the corner of Derby and Fitzroy Streets and is a sculptured from Blue Gum, Stringybark and Tallowwood.

‘The Cocktail Lounge’ is one of many pieces of street furniture in Walcha which eventuated as part of the 2001 Street Furniture Project. The project was funded by Armidale 3rd City of Arts, Walcha Arts Council and Walcha Council, with assistance from State Forests NSW, NPWS and Fenning Timbers.

Come and explore Walcha’s Open Air Gallery of Sculptures and Artworks featuring local, national and international artists.

17/10/2024

Tomorrow night!

Posted • EXHIBITION Opening Friday 18th October 6pm

3 GENERATIONS • Margie Baillie • Paula Jenkins • Ella Jenkins

To preview catalogue or enquires please DM or email [email protected].