The 2026 Mosman Art Prize artist talks are giving art lovers something a little different this year — a chance to pull up a chair, pour a glass of wine, and hear directly from the painters themselves about what drives their work.
Mosman Art Gallery is hosting two evening sessions of short artist presentations, with five exhibiting artists taking to the floor at each event. Each talk runs between 10 and 15 minutes, keeping things brisk and conversational rather than lecture-like — the kind of format that tends to spark real discussion. The sessions are supported by Colormaker Industries.
The first evening takes place on Wednesday 26 August, featuring artists Ham Darroch, Tina Havelock Stevens, Archy Obradovic, Nicola Smith, and Morgan Stokes. A second session follows on Wednesday 7 October, with Robby Bennett, George Goodnow, Hayley Megan French, Elizabeth Pulie, and Yuanzhou Zheng presenting their work.
It’s the kind of event that rewards curiosity. Visitors to the gallery may admire a painting on the wall without knowing the hours of uncertainty, revision, or personal history behind it. An evening like this changes that. Hearing an artist describe the exact moment a work clicked — or didn’t — tends to shift how you see it entirely.
The Mosman Art Prize, established in 1947, is considered one of Australia’s oldest and most prestigious local government art awards, with its primary purpose being to build a municipal art collection and encourage an interest in the arts in the local community. The prize is a national acquisitive award of $70,000, funded by Mosman Council.
The artist talks are free to attend and held at Mosman Art Gallery, 1 Art Gallery Way, Mosman. For more information, contact the gallery on 02 9978 4178.
Father’s Day arrives this Sunday, 7 September, and Mosman has pulled out all stops to help families celebrate Dad in memorable style. Local restaurants have crafted special menus and experiences that go well beyond the usual socks-and-jocks routine.
Three standout venues across the suburb are offering distinct experiences, from waterfront elegance to family-friendly festivities and rooftop dining with harbour views.
Azul at The Spit continues building on its growing reputation with a full day of Father’s Day dining options. The venue, positioned right on the water, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner services to accommodate different family preferences.
Their breakfast offering stands out at $59 for adults and $30 for children, featuring champagne on arrival to set the celebratory tone. The menu showcases signature dishes including Moroccan Beef Quesadilla and Knafeh Pistachio French Toast, blending international flavours with the relaxed waterfront atmosphere that has made Azul increasingly popular with locals.
The Buena has designed its Father’s Day celebration with the whole family in mind, creating an atmosphere that balances great food with entertainment for children. The venue’s Lamb Roast Share Special takes centre stage, designed for families to enjoy together around the table.
Fathers receive a complimentary Stone & Wood beer as part of the celebration, whilst children can enjoy face painting activities running from 1pm to 3pm. This combination of quality dining and family entertainment reflects The Buena’s reputation for creating inclusive experiences that work for all ages.
The venue promises its characteristic festive atmosphere and local community feel, making it an ideal choice for families wanting a relaxed celebration close to home.
The Fernery offers perhaps the most distinctive Father’s Day experience with its rooftop setting providing sweeping harbour views. The venue has created a focused special featuring a hearty Pork Knuckle paired with a schooner of Bentspoke Crankshaft IPA for $49 per person.
This represents excellent value for a substantial meal in a premium location, and The Fernery maintains its full à-la-carte menu alongside the special for those preferring different options. The venue caters to both lunch and dinner service, giving families flexibility in their celebration timing.
The rooftop location provides the perfect backdrop for a Father’s Day toast, with uninterrupted views across the harbour creating a memorable setting for family photographs and conversation.
A Celebration Close to Home
These three venues demonstrate Mosman’s strength in hospitality, each offering a different approach to Father’s Day dining whilst maintaining the high standards locals have come to expect. From Azul’s waterfront sophistication to The Buena’s family-focused fun and The Fernery’s elevated harbour views, fathers have excellent options within the suburb.
The variety ensures families can choose an experience that matches their style and budget, whether seeking an intimate meal with views, a celebration that entertains children, or a rooftop experience that makes the most of Mosman’s natural harbour setting.
