Royal Paintings at Strathpeffer Art Fair
27 October 2009
The increasing status of Strathpeffer Pavilion's annual Art Fair was confirmed this week after HRH The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay agreed to contribute two of his own paintings for display at this year's event.
The Art Fair, to be held from November 26 to 29, has become one of the region's premier art events. Organised by the Friends of the Pavilion, a careful selection process ensures there is a wide variety of art for those wishing to see new work, pick up a Christmas gift or buy for their own enjoyment – some works may even turn out to be a good investment.
Following his visit to the Pavilion in June this year, accompanied by HRH The Duchess of Rothesay, His Royal Highness has agreed to lend two of his own watercolours, one of the Cairngorms and another from a visit to Africa, to show at the event. These will not be for sale but all other work will be, including prints from Dame Elizabeth Blackadder and Peter Howson exhibited by Glasgow Print Studio, one of three galleries participating in the art fair. The others are the Castle Gallery in Inverness and the Kilmorack Gallery near Beauly.
Margaret Spark, chair of the Friends explained: "Over £30,000 of artwork was sold last year and the calibre and range of exhibitors this year should ensure another spectacularly successful exhibition. In addition the opportunity to see paintings by The Prince will provide particular interest in what is always a very enjoyable event."
Well over 100 artists will show their work, including previous exhibitors Esther Armstrong, Clare Blois, Cara McKinnon Crawford, Michael Forbes, James Hawkins, Leonie Gibbs, Allan MacDonald, Nicola MacDonell, Janis Mennie, Peter Munro and Donald Shearer.
Artists exhibiting at the Pavilion for the first time include Kirstie Cohen, Margaret Ferguson, Peter Goodfellow and Alastair Fiddes Watt.
The main sponsor for this year's event is John MacLean and Sons (Electrical) Dingwall with additional support from Mackays Garage Dingwall.
Pavilion manager Andrea Muir commented: "The Pavilion is a wonderful venue for a big event such as this. The organisers have this year invested in brand new hanging boards and received donations towards them not only from well-wishers but from many of the exhibiting artists as well. It underlines the importance of the event for all of its stakeholders."
Strathpeffer Pavilion Art Fair will be open from November 26 to 29 inclusive from 10am each day, with late opening on the Thursday and Friday. Entry is free (though donations are welcome), teas and coffees will be on sale. All proceeds from the event go to the voluntary group Friends of the Pavilion. They in turn regularly contribute funds to support the Pavilion, which is registered as a charity and run as a social enterprise for the benefit of the community.