Original works by some of Scotland’s most renowned artists will be up for sale at a major charity event next week in Aberdeen.
More than 40 personalities, ranging across a wide range of artistic disciplines, will be represented at the “pop-up extravaganza” at the Chester Hotel on Tuesday and Wednesday to raise cash for Maggie’s Centre at Foresterhill.
Hundreds of artworks will be available for purchase, with prices ranging from £50 to £15,000 to ensure as many people as possible are able to support Maggie’s Centre in providing vital support to cancer patients and their families.
Aficionados will gain the opportunity to secure pieces by artists, both local and international, including such luminaries as Jack Morocco, Chris Bushe, Christine McArthur and Marie Buchan.
Iain Faulkner of the Albemarle Gallery in London, whose figurative paintings have been shown in New York, Paris, Milan, Geneva and Bologna, is among those participating in the special event.
Mr Faulkner was chosen by champion golfer, Colin Montgomerie, to create the portraits of the European 2010 Ryder Cup team members, and is known for his trademark pieces featuring powerful male figures facing off against foreboding landscapes.
Two of his paintings will be for sale at the Chester, with all profits going to Maggie’s.
Mr Faulkner said: “Without a shadow of a doubt, Maggie’s is an absolutely fantastic cause and I am delighted to be a part of this.
“The type of services they provide just wasn’t available at the time, so they had to create them.
“I am sure this event will be a huge success. I have spoken to quite a few of the artists that are involved and I know there are a lot of local artists as well, so there’s going to be plenty of good stuff.
“I have not made exact plans, but I’ll definitely be up at some point to show face and see all the other art on show.
“I am really looking forward to it and it is going to be great.”
Another Scottish artist backing the event is Mary Louise Butterworth, who is based in the north east.
Miss Butterworth is acclaimed for her acrylic depictions of famous Aberdeen streets and landmarks at night, illuminated by bright and colourful lighting.
She has become acclaimed for using her unique talent to portray great outdoor vistas, from shorelines to mountaintops and more.
She shared Mr Faulkner’s excitement at the prospect of the charity sale and believes it will provide an excellent platform to raise cash.
She added: “Art can do a lot of good things, and it has a great capacity to help those in need.
“Maggie’s provides an invaluable resource for everyone struggling with cancer in the north-east, because it’s a totally different environment to the hospital.
“I am really excited to see this sale become a major success, there’s going to be so much artwork in the room and so much money will be raised, so to be part of that is really special.”
The event is the brainchild of Doric Pub Company boss and property consultant David Reid and Tony Dinozzi of Wood Group.
The latter said: “We’ve got 200 pieces from about 40 different artists from all over the country, and it really will be one of the best quality shows in Aberdeen this year.
“We’ve got a phenomenal range of art, and paintings in a whole range of prices.
“Maggie’s is a local charity that supports local people. Everyone knows somebody who has been impacted by cancer, so it’s definitely a worthwhile cause.”
The free event will be open from 10am to 5pm on Tuesday, and 10am to 8.30pm on Wednesday.
