CELEBRITY PORTRAIT REVEAL
Celebrity Portrait Reveal 2026
Bowral Art Gallery's 16th Celebrity Portrait Reveal was another great success.
The sun was shining and the fashionistas were out on parade thanks to Gill Hearn from Twisting Vintage in Mittagong. In keeping with the theme of recycling, repurposing and vintage, inspired by Craig Reucassel’s War on Waste, Gill’s models put on a great show of stunning vintage clothes whilst guest were served canapes and drinks in the gorgeous courtyard at centennial vineyard’s Restaurant. Our very own and talented, Ulf Kaiser was serenading the guests.
This was followed a fabulous lunch and enlightening conversation between Craig Reucassel and longtime friend and Patron to the BDAS, Ben Quilty.
The guests were welcomed by BDAS President Cath Brennan and the proceedings emceed by the wonderful Kirstine Mackay.
The 4 portraits by Wayne Davis, Anne-France Fulgence, Robyn Kinsela and Callum Worsford were revealed in front of the 190 guests. After considerable angst and deliberation, Craig decided on taking home Wayne’s portrait. The funny thing was that not only had Wayne painted over an old landscape painting…in the theme of recycling but he also painted a second version of Craig on the back.
A huge thanks to Corina Nesci our event sponsor. We couldn’t have done it without her support. Thank you also to Centennial Vineyards Restaurant who were amazing and to all our donors for the fabulous silent and live auctions.
These works are now on display for everyone to see at The Bookshop Bowral. Be sure to cast your vote for your favourite artwork. Many thanks to Clare and her team for the display.
Several Photos below by Rachael Ware from Rachel Ware Photography
Sponsors and Donors
A special thank you to our event sponsor, Corina Nesci for Highlands Property Group, Southern Highlands.
Her support of the Celebrity Portrait Reveal is invaluable and greatly appreciated from all the team at the BDAS.
Thank you also to Robin and Mandy Murray for all their support and assistance in making this event sospecial. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Thank you to Clare Meldrum from the Bookshop Bowral for displaying the portraits following the reveal for the public to view and vote on their People's Choice
Thank you finally to all our donors for the Silent Auction items. We are humbled by your generosity and willingness to support our efforts at the BDAS. All money raised will go towards maintaining the facilities at the BDAS which is not-for-profit charity run mostly by volunteers.
Feel free to click on any of the icons to find out a little bit more about each of our wonderful donors.
Craig Reucassel
TOM MORIARTY
Wendy Hill
Peggy Stone
LUCINDA MCDONALD
A-F Fulgence
Callum Worsford
Robyn Kinsela
CAROL WILLIS
Patrice Cooke
Judy O'Brien
Lou Watts
Peter Butcher
Kirstine McKay
Noel Thurgate
Sitting Day...
a little sneak peek
Sunday 28 June, 2026
A little sneak peek to whet your appetite for our Celebrity Portrait Reveal sitting day at Bowral Art Gallery!
What a fantastic day we had!
Our celebrity sitter, Craig Reucassel, was an absolute delight—charming, good-humoured, and wonderfully patient with our four talented artists: Anne-France Fulgence, Callum Worsford, Wayne Davis, and Robyn Kinsela. He even managed to sit still long enough for the artists to capture plenty of reference photos and produce some terrific preliminary sketches. We can't wait to see how each portrait comes to life!
The day was made even more special with a delicious lunch and wonderful company. We were thrilled to be joined by Ben Quilty and two friends, Kristine MacKay, who will be our MC for the Reveal, James Matthews, our scholarship recipient, and Cath Brennan, President of BDAS.
A special thank you to Tony Sheffield from Highlife Magazine for capturing some fabulous photos, and to our own Tom Moriarty, who documented the day on film.