We had a wonderful day at the gallery recently as we welcomed our Howard Butterworth Award winner, Isla and her family to see her gorgeous painting "The beautiful land" on display at the gallery.
Her painting was one of the 168 entries from 12 Aberdeen city and shire schools. It was an amazing turnout for the first year of the award organised by The River Dee trust to honour Howard's wonderful work and support. Many thanks to the hard working River Dee Trust team and Jane for delivering the award as part of their education programme liaising with schools and entrants.
Howard commented that "Isla’s painting was one of several that had clear confident colours and brushstrokes. The thing which stood out from the rest was the sky, which was so “Deeside”, along with the shadows and their effect on the hills. The trees and river were also well observed.
It was delightful to meet Isla, her family and Jane from the Trust on such a fine day. I am so pleased that the project inspired so many children’s interest in the Dee and the wider ecology of Aberdeenshire."
Young people from the local area had been encouraged to get creative and be inspired by their surroundings for this year’s theme of "The Landscape of The Dee". Howard and the judges were deeply impressed by the talent displayed and quality of all the entries.
Islas work will be displayed in the gallery this summer, and later this year will be joining Jane to plant trees with her class as part of the River Dee Trust's million tree campaign.
Framing was kindly donated by Donside Frames, Inverurie.
The award was designed by glass artist Shelagh Swanson using artwork by Howard Butterworth.
Every year Howard would take seasonal road trips to recharge and for a change of scenery. With a love of cars, nature and travel he found joy and inspiration in journeying to the wild and raw beauty of the West Coast and the Scottish Highlands.
