News
The Duchess of Cornwall meets local artists in Ballater
24th August 2011
The Duchess of Cornwall attended a private preview of the annual art exhibition organised by the Upper Deeside Art Society (UDAS) in Ballater.
Her Royal Highness, who is known as The Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland, is an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Society and takes a keen personal interest in art.
The Duchess toured the 19th annual UDAS exhibition in the Victoria Hall, in Ballater, which features 299 varied works by local artists. Her Royal Highness met the 58 artists displaying their works and discussed their creative inspiration.
UDAS was established in 1992 and now boasts nearly 100 members. It is open to all amateur artists living in the Upper Deeside area and is a living demonstration that art need not be a solitary pastime. Members attend regular workshops, demonstrations of creative techniques and talks by professional artists. In the summer months, UDAS organises painting days at local landmarks, such as Crathes Castle and Finzean House.
The sublime landscapes of the Dee Valley continue to inspire local artists, along with botanical, animal and human subjects. The mediums on display vary from watercolours and oils to delicate sculptures in willow branch, and finely turned bowls in yew and elm wood.
The exhibition runs until 4th September and entry is free.