The Joan Purves Encouragement Prize is an annual $2,500 cash prize awarded to an eligible student attending an art class at the Waverley-Woollahra Art School on Bondi Road.
Each year the Art School will appoint a suitably qualified panel to determine who will be the recipient of the prize for that year. The prize will be announced and presented to the recipient at the End Of Year Art Exhibition awards’ night in December each year.
The purpose of the prize is to recognise an artist who shows great promise and commitment in their chosen media (2D oils, acrylic, watercolour, mixed media, printmaking, life drawing, pastels, ink and charcoal but excluding sculpture and ceramics).
The awarding of the prize will recognise the student who shows the highest artistic promise and flair while encouraging lifelong participation in art practice.
The prize will be awarded each year in perpetuity. For more details click here
For details of The Joan Purves Art Trust, click here
2025 Joan Purves Encouragement prize winner Judith Russell
I would like to convey my heartfelt thanks to the Board of the WWAS for the awarding of the JOAN PURVES PRIZE 2025 to me.
This award was very unexpected and very much appreciated.
My heartfelt thanks also go to my wonderful teacher Jen Ryan for her never-ending support and advice.
Please pass on my sincere thanks to the Judge, Stephanie Eather. She has given me validation and confidence in my artistic journey.
My thanks also go to David Purves & the Joan Purves Art Trust for the generous gift and the means to extend my artistic pursuits.
Congratulations also to the other wonderful artists at WWAS, those who won prizes, and those who participate in this wonderful creative venue.
The evening was a great success, congratulations to all.
Judith Russell December 2025.
