To honour the wonderful work and support of renowned North East artist Howard Butterworth, the River Dee Trust has launched an art competition in his name. The new award is for young people under the age of 19 from the local area. Young people are invited to get creative for this year’s theme which is "The Landscape of The Dee"
The River Dee has a special place in his heart and is a favourite subject of his after almost 50 years of living, breathing and painting Royal Deeside. Painting En Plein air he has been seen by many visitors painting outside along the banks of the river and at well known beauty spots in the area.
Having been a keen supporter of the River Dee Trust and their conservation work over the years including his inaugural exhibition fundraising for the River Dee Trust at The Marcliffe at Pitfodels.
In 2020 The River Dee Trust announced plans to plant a million native trees in one of the biggest nature restoration projects in the Cairngorms. The project recreates areas of landscape that have been lost for 2000 years. The trees will help prevent a repetition of the high river temperatures which damaged young salmon stocks on the Upper Dee two years ago. They will provide nutrition and shelter for all river species. And they will encourage a wide range of wildlife to thrive in one of Scotland’s most stunning landscapes.
To enter and find out more about the award visit The River Dee Trust. Entries close 11th June 2021. The winner will have their artwork framed courtesy of Donside frames in Inverurie and displayed with us in The Butterworth Gallery this summer. Along with an art materials prize they will also enjoy an afternoon of tree planting with the Trust's team on the River Dee as part of their million trees campaign.
The award is being made by glass artist Shelagh Swanson and will feature Howard Butterworth's River Dee Trust emblem.
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.
