Olivia O’Connor Wins 2026 Tina Wentcher Sculpture Prize for Eagles Soaring
Olivia O’Connor, a sculptor hailing from South Gippsland, achieved the Tina Wentcher Sculpture Prize during the Association of Sculptors of Victoria’s 2026 Annual and Awards Exhibition for her artwork titled Eagles Soaring. This hand-carved sculpture, crafted from locally sourced storm-fallen oak and blackwood, measures 56 by 10 by 6 centimeters and includes stainless steel details. It illustrates two wedge-tailed eagles gliding over a hill, reflecting O’Connor’s bond with the surrounding landscape. Judge Daniel Agdag commended its “exquisite” simplicity. Additionally, O’Connor earned the 2025 Art Almanac Award. The exhibition, which took place in Melbourne, celebrates contemporary sculpture in Australia and promotes regional artists within the national art community. More information can be found on sculptorsvictoria.asn.au.
Key facts
- Olivia O’Connor won the Tina Wentcher Sculpture Prize at the Association of Sculptors of Victoria 2026 Annual and Awards Exhibition.
- The winning work is titled Eagles Soaring and was created in 2025.
- Eagles Soaring is made of timber, storm-fallen local oak and blackwood, and stainless steel.
- The sculpture measures 56 × 10 × 6 centimeters.
- It depicts two wedge-tailed eagles soaring above a hill.
- O’Connor is based in South Gippsland and previously won the 2025 Art Almanac Award.
- Judge Daniel Agdag praised the work’s 'sublime simplicity' and called its execution and presentation 'exquisite.'
- The exhibition is held in Melbourne, Australia.
Entities
Artists
- Olivia O’Connor
- Daniel Agdag
Institutions
- Association of Sculptors of Victoria
- Art Almanac
Locations
- South Gippsland
- Victoria
- Melbourne
- Australia