Bungendore Wood Works Gallery has been selected best gallery in Australia by the World Art Awards 2024.

The news came by email from author-artist-actor Thom Bierdz, co-founder and president of the American Art Awards, who described the gallery as “a rare piece of art”.

Gallery founder and artistic director, David Mac Laren says: “I saw an email in the dark early Saturday morning… and thought sleepily, that is nice, and went back to sleep and woke up a few hours later thinking I was dreaming, but no, a re-read confirmed a dream come true.

“For a regional commercial gallery to be nominated for this award was very heartening as the gallery celebrates its 40th year, which we are dedicating to the Ukraine War of Independence,” he added.

The World Art Awards have been running for 15 years, assessing artists and the most prominent and respected galleries and museums across the world, using selection criteria including years established, industry reputation, online presence, location and size, aesthetics, socially relevant exhibits, exhibited artists and client and visitor experiences.

Bungendore Wood Works Gallery takes its place alongside other international galleries such as  Exposures International Gallery of Fine Art in Arizona, Nanzuka Underground in Tokyo, Miart Gallery in London and Comptoir des Mines Galerie in Marrakech.

The official citation reads: “Attracting 120,000 visitors a year, multi-tourism award-winning Bungendore Wood Works Gallery specialises in exhibiting and promoting Australian made wood art and sculpture of a very high standard.

“The Gallery was built in 1994 from Australian materials, including Jarrah posts, beams and staircase; Tasmanian Oak floors, Ebonized Victorian Ash frames, and NSW Flooded Gum wall panelling, designed by Bungendore architect, Maurice Barnes.”