Joan Walsh-Smith facts for kids
Joan Walsh-Smith is a talented Australian sculptor. She was born in 1946 and creates amazing artworks using many different materials. Joan is famous for making large memorials across Australia. Her most well-known sculpture is the National Australian Army Memorial in Canberra.
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Early Life and Art Studies
Joan was born in Ireland in 1946. She loved art and studied at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin. She finished her studies in 1971. While there, she met Charles Smith, who would become her husband and art partner.
In 1972, Joan received her first big art job. She created a large stone carving called Gryphon. It was 3 meters tall and 2 meters wide. In 1974, she won an art competition. Her winning piece was a 30-meter-long sculpture called City People.
Moving to Australia
In 1984, Joan moved to Western Australia with her husband, Charlie Smith, and their three children. They settled in Gidgegannup, Western Australia. Together, they started their own art studio called Smith Sculptors.
Joan won her first major Australian art project in 1988. Smith Sculptors was chosen to create the important National Australian Army Memorial. This was a very big achievement for them.
Special Awards and Recognition
Joan and Charlie's hard work has been recognized with many awards. In 2001, they received the Centenary Medal. This award was for their amazing work in creating large public art. They were also finalists for the WA Citizen of the Year in 2008.
In 2012, both Joan and Charlie were given Rotary International Paul Harris Fellowship Medals. More recently, in 2024, Joan Walsh-Smith received the Medal of the Order of Australia. This special medal was given to her for her great contributions to art as a sculptor.
Important Memorial Sculptures
Joan Walsh-Smith has created many powerful memorial artworks. These sculptures help us remember important people and events. Her works are found in many places across Australia.
Some of her notable memorial sculptures include:
- HMAS Sydney II Memorial in Geraldton, WA
- National Australian Army Memorial in Canberra
- Pearl Diver Memorial in Broome, WA
- Indigenous Female Pearl Diver Memorial in Broome, WA
- The West Australian Irish Famine Memorial
- Battle of Crete Memorial in King's Park, Perth
These memorials help communities remember their history and honor those who have contributed or sacrificed.
