Meeting the winner of Australia’s most prestigious art prize probably wasn’t on the bingo cards of some aspiring local art students but that’s exactly what happened on July 25 when a truly memorable Wee Waa High School excursion stopped by the Art Gallery of NSW to visit WWHS graduate Julie Fragar and admire her award-winning artwork up close.
Of course, Julie needs no introduction to the Wee Waa community.
As reported in May, the talented artist was named the 2025 Archibald prize winner for her portrait of fellow artist and colleague Justene Williams, titled Flagship Mother Multiverse (Justene), which depicts Williams as an ‘active master of a multiverse of characters and events’.
Responding to the announcement through a AGNSW statement, Julie said: “You work your whole career imagining this might happen one day.
“Thinking back to myself as a 17-year-old showing up at the Sydney College of the Arts – a kid from country NSW – it’s incredible to think I have won the Archibald Prize.
“Portrait painting wasn’t taken as seriously in the 1990s as it is today.
“I have always regarded the Archibald Prize as a place that understood the value of portraiture.
‘To be the winner of the Archibald Prize is a point of validation.
“It means so much to have the respect of my colleagues at the Art Gallery. It doesn’t get better than that.”
The WWHS graduate has consistently praised the community of Wee Waa and spoken fondly about her hometown and how WWHS helped shape the artist she is today.
In a previous article featured in the Wee Waa News/The Courier and a WWHS newsletter in 2020, Julie said spending long hours in the WWHS art room collaborating with her friend and classmate, Phoebe Powell remains one of her happiest high school memories.
“I could not overstate the impact that growing up in Wee Waa and going to Wee Waa High School has had on my life,” she said.
Julie’s parents (Tim and Sue) still live in Wee Waa, having moved from the Central Coast when Julie and her brother, Ben were quite young.
“We had a great childhood. It was one of horses, motorbikes and lots of hours exploring the bush. I’m very grateful for that. My parents are pretty courageous people and I’ve always
had a lot of respect for what a bold move that was. I think my brother and I benefited a lot because of it.
“Growing up in Wee Waa taught me how to relate to an incredibly broad range of people. In a small town there are not enough people to section yourself off to only people whose values and background are exactly like yours.”
At high school, Julie’s love of art and English was further cultivated by her two favourite teachers, Jacqui Harrison and Wayne Eade, Julie recalls Wee Waa High being ‘a good school with lots of really dedicated, smart and valuable teachers.’
“From about Year 10 I spent a lot of time daydreaming about the next chapter of my life beyond high school. That said, my favourite part of high school was the art room where I could get lost in making things,” she said.
WWHS said the amazing opportunity to attend the 2025 Archibald Prize Exhibition was made possible thanks to the generosity of the Art Gallery of NSW, who not only extended the invitation but also funded the trip – covering travel and accommodation costs.
“Their support made this visit a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students,” said WWHS.
The group set off for Sydney by bus on July 24 arriving in time to soak up the atmosphere of a live NRL game – a memorable first night in the city.
Friday morning began with a sunny stroll through Hyde Park as the students made their way to the gallery, with blue skies setting the positive tone for the day ahead.
As well as meeting 2025 Archibald Prize winner Julie Fragar, students met her fellow artist and the subject of her winning portrait Justene Williams.
The students had the opportunity to tour the exhibition, take part in a self-portraiture workshop hosted by gallery staff, and engage in an inspiring question-and-answer session with Julie and Justene, who spoke candidly and warmly with the students.
Adding to the excitement, students Mia Kiem and Loela Palmer were interviewed by a journalist from the Daily Telegraph, followed by a group photoshoot alongside the artists.
Mia told the Daily Telegraph hearing Julie’s incredible story was ‘reassuring’, with Loela adding “It (says) you can actually do it, you know that you’re getting something out of (being) in a small town.”
To wrap up a whirlwind trip, the group squeezed in some well-earned retail therapy on Pitt Street.
WWHS extended its sincere gratitude to everyone involved in making the experience possible – especially the Art Gallery of NSW for their incredible generosity and belief in the power of arts education.
To order photos from this page click here
