Michelago sculptor Steven Holland has been recognised as one of the top artists in Australia, by taking out a major prize in the prestigious Waterhouse Natural History Art Prize.

With winning works and finalists now on display at the National Archives of Australia in Canberra, Steven Holland is giving a free public lunchtime talk on how he captures birds and animals in his art on Thursday, 15 November at 12.30pm.

Steven has been an artist for more than 20 years. His sculpture of Australian Ravens, created with wire, plastic bags and mother of pearl was awarded third prize in the Sculpture and Objects section of the Waterhouse Natural History Art Prize.

His creation is one of 30 winning and highly commended works on display at the National Archives.  They were chosen from 603 submissions and 107 finalists to come to Canberra, the only place they can be seen outside Adelaide where the competition is organised by the South Australian Museum.

This year the Waterhouse Natural History Art Prize attracted many works with the theme of climate change. But the end result is far from depressing, with a striking array of paintings, works on paper, sculptures and objects covering the gamut of the natural world.

The public is welcome to attend his talk Animals and Art at the National Archives in Queen Victoria Terrace on Thursday 15 November at 12.30pm.  Entry is free but bookings are essential on events@naa.gov.au or 6212 3956.