University of Ballarat Alumni and renowned, award-winning Australian artist Wes Walters' artistic career has spanned over 60 years across a myriad of styles, techniques and approaches. From his early accomplished position as a commercial illustrator and designer, to a successful career as a visual artist, Walters has held many exhibitions with significant achievements, commissions and awards. Winner of the 1979 Archibald Prize for his Portrait of Phillip Adams, Walters has painted over 200 portraits of many notable Australians including Senator Neville Bonner, Sir Donald Bradman and Dame Elisabeth Murdoch. Walters was awarded the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery Minnie Crouch Watercolour Prize in 1953 and1956. His work is held in numerous national, state and regional galleries, universities, libraries and private collections worldwide.

Having spent his formative years living in Ballarat and studying art at the Ballarat School of Mines (SMB), this exhibition celebrated Wes Walters’ strong links to the University of Ballarat and the region and his extensive creative achievements.