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
