I am a Melbourne-based figurative painter and metalsmith with an interest in exploring interpersonal dynamics through portraiture and depictions of domestic life. My art expression evolves from personal life experiences; is often autobiographical and informed by an art therapy way of questioning and exploring.
I attained a BA Hons in Fine Arts and Silversmithing from Camberwell Art School in London in 1994, and graduated from La Trobe University with a Masters in Art Therapy in 2009.
Portraiture in oils is my main area of interest, but I still love to occasionally tinker at the jewellery bench and make small metal sculptural pieces.
My first children’s picture book ‘Drover’, written by Neridah McMullin was published by Walker Books in 2021. My second book ‘The girl in the painting’ (written by Dee White) will be in shops in Jan 2025.
I am a portrait artist for the charity ‘Possum Portraits’, a wonderful organisation that donates portraits of angel babies to their grieving families. https://www.possumportraits.org/sarah-anthony
Exhibitions
2025
Women Painting Women #4, Burrinja, Upwey
2024
Lester Portrait Prize, WA
The Kennedy Prize, RSASA, Adelaide
Smallacombe Portrait Prize, SA
The Gallipoli Art Prize 2024, Sydney NSW
2023
The Kennedy Prize, RSASA, Adelaide
Smallacombe Portrait Prize, Gallery One, SA
Gallipoli Art Prize 2023, Sydney
2022
Semi-finalist, Doug Moran National Portrait Prize
Lester Portrait Prize, Art Gallery of WA
Southern Buoy Portrait Prize, Mornington VIC
Merri-bek Summer Show, Counihan Gallery
2021
The Lester Portrait Prize, Art Gallery of WA
The Kennedy Prize, Adelaide
Southern Buoy Portrait Prize, Mornington Vic
2020
Shirley Hannan National Portrait Prize Show 2020, Bega Valley Regional Art Gallery
‘Truth to be Known’, Incub8r Prahran
2019
Life Models Society Inaugural Prize Exhibition
Re-Create Group show, Neon Parlour, Thornbury
2018
A1/Darebin Art Salon 2018, Bundoora Homestead
Small Works 2018, Brunswick St Gallery
2004
Contemporary Wearables Award Exhibition '03
2002
Contemporary Wearables Award Exhibition '01
2001
Annual Christmas Show, Designyard Gallery, Dublin, Ireland
2000
Contemporary Wearables Award Exhibition '99.
1998
Fingers Annual Group Show '98, Fingers Auckland
'Linked Up', Cufflink Show '98, Makers Mark Melbourne and Sydney
1997
'Contemporary Wearables '97', Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery.
'Showcase' J.M.G.A Group Show, Argentum Gallery,
Fingers Annual Group Show '97, Fingers Gallery, Auckland
Beatrice Royal Summer Exhibition '97, Beatrice Royal Gallery, UK
'Linked Up', Cufflink Show '97, Makers Mark Melb.and Syd
1996
'Master Artist' Show, Burning Issues, New Zealand
'The Jewellery Show 96', Hugo Barclay, England
‘Wearable Art' Fashion Show, Burning Issues, New Zealand
‘30 New Makers', Beatrice Royal, UK
AWARDS AND ACQUISITIONS
2024
Highly Commended, MSWPS Changing Perspectives
2023
The Judith Perrey Award for best oil/acrylic - MSWPS Changing Perspectives 2023
Highly Commended- Smallacombe Portrait Prize
2022
$15,000 Baldock Family People’s Choice Award - Lester Portrait Prize 2022
1999
Acquisition Award - ‘Contemporary Wearables Award Exhibition '99'.
‘Wedding ring neckpiece’ acquired by Toowoomba Regional Museum and Art Gallery for State collection.
IN THE PRESS
Sept 2024 ‘About Face’ book about AUS/NZ portrait artists by Amber Cresswell Bell, Thames & Hudson publisher
March 2023 NSW The Rocks website article
4th Jan/28th March 2023 Art Almanac articles
Oct 2022 ABC News: ‘In the age of phone selfies, why does the painted portrait still enthral us?
OTHER ROLES
Founder member of Portrait Artists - Melbourne and Victoria
FB: portrait_artists_melbourne_victoria
Instagram: portrait_artists_melbourne_vic
Portrait Artist for Possum Portraits - hand drawn memorial portraits for bereaved parents
Website: https://www.possumportraits.org/sarah-anthony