SINCE the death in 1970 of Australian artist Sir William Dobell, his estate has provided funding for an annual drawing competition and prize, now significant events on the visual arts calendar in Australia.

Pleasing to report, quite a number of Canberra artists have been hung in the accompanying exhibition over the years. But of course you normally have to go to Sydney to see them.

Now a touring Dobell Prize for Drawing  exhibition is coming to Canberra, featuring works by distinctly contrasting artists like Colin Lanceley, Judy Cassab, Wendy Sharpe, Allan Mitelman and Aida Tomescu. It also includes works by the inaugural winner, Kevin Connor, and by the  winner of the 2012 Dobell Prize, Gareth Sansom.

2012? You may ask. That seems like a long time ago.

In that year, the 20th anniversary of the Dobell Prize for Drawing was in part celebrated by this touring exhibition, features prize-winning drawings and outstanding works acquired throughout the history of the prize while it was held at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Curated by Anne Ryan and Hendrik Kolenberg the exhibition, toured by Museums & Galleries NSW, celebrates the diversity of contemporary drawing practices. Dobell’s own achievements as a graphic artist and his role in encouraging the art of drawing are highlighted in an introductory section of the exhibition.

 “Contemporary Australian Drawing: 20 Years of the Dobell Prize for Drawing”,  Drill Hall Gallery, Kingsley Street (off Barry Drive), ANU, April 10-May 18, Wednesday-Sunday, 12-5pm. Admission is free.

Drawing symposium, ‘For the Love of Drawing,’ will take place at the Drill Hall Gallery at  2pm on Friday, April 11, details at http://cass.anu.edu.au/story/love-of-drawing