Joan Walsh-Smith facts for kids
Joan Walsh-Smith is a famous Australian artist who creates sculptures. She was born in Ireland in 1946. She uses many different materials to make her art. Joan is well-known for creating large memorials across Australia. Her most famous artwork is the National Australian Army Memorial in Canberra.
Early Life and Art
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 her husband, Charles Smith. They often work together on art projects.
In 1972, Joan received her first big art job. She created a stone carving called Gryphon. It was 3 meters tall and 2 meters wide. You can find it at the Northern Bank in Waterford, Ireland. Later, in 1974, she won a competition in Northern Ireland. Her winning artwork was City People, a very long sculpture that was 30 meters wide.
Moving to Australia
In 1984, Joan and her husband, Charlie Smith, moved to Western Australia. They brought their three children, Carl, Joanne, and Raoul, with them. They set up their art studio, called Smith Sculptors, in Gidgegannup, Western Australia.
Joan received her first big Australian art job in 1988. Her studio, Smith Sculptors, was chosen to create the National Australian Army Memorial. This was a very important project for them.
Important Artworks
Joan Walsh-Smith and Charles Smith are famous for creating many large memorial artworks. These memorials help people remember important events or people. Their most well-known work is the National Australian Army Memorial in Canberra. This memorial honors all the soldiers who have served in the Australian Army.
Some of their other important memorial artworks include:
- The HMAS Sydney II Memorial in Geraldton, WA. This memorial remembers the sailors who were lost when the HMAS Sydney II ship sank.
- The Pearl Diver Memorial in Broome, WA. This artwork honors the brave pearl divers.
- The Kobe Earthquake Memorial. This memorial remembers the people affected by a big earthquake in Japan.
- The Battle of Crete Memorial in King's Park, Perth. This memorial honors those who fought in the Battle of Crete during World War II.
Awards and Recognition
Joan Walsh-Smith and Charles Smith have received many awards for their amazing artwork.
In 2001, their studio, Smith Sculptors, was given the Centenary Medal. This award was for their outstanding work in creating large public art. They were also finalists for the WA Citizen of the Year in 2008.
In 2012, both Joan and Charles received Rotary International Paul Harris Fellowship Medals. This award recognizes people who have made a big difference in their communities.
Most recently, in 2024, Joan Walsh-Smith was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia. This special award was given to her for her great service to the visual arts as a sculptor.
