Artwork showcase in Rattray
The 2022 It’s BRAW showcase month continues this week with a number of events – including Rattray Arts Festival on Saturday, August 27, and Sunday, August 28.
Now in its 12th year, the event takes place in Rattray Hall on Balmoral Road and celebrates the talent and skills of amateur and professional creative artists from Blairgowrie, Rattray and the surrounding area.
This year, the festival’s featured artists are Jonathan Sainsbury and Suzanne Clements, both of whom have also run workshops in the run up to the exhibition as part of the wider It’s BRAW event.
Other participating artists this year include Jenny Charles, Tina Gliddon, Derek Colley, Marianne Frew, Stewart Graham, Helen Green, Sabrin Miller, Hsiaoling Houston, Chris Joslin, Frances Law, Astrid Leeson, Anick Pitcher, Ricky Pitcher, David MacKenzie, Dougie Mackie, Janet McCrorie, Annie McLean, Greg McNee, Bill Meikle, Catherine Mylles, Debra Rice, Trevor Taylor, Graham Wands, Jeannie Webster, Helen Welsh and Derrick Young.
And David MacKenzie has generously donated one of his paintings, ‘Let Battle Commence’ – which depicts to stags fighting – as the prize in this year’s raffle.
Proceeds from the raffle, as well as 20 per cent of all sales made over the weekend, will be donated to two local good causes, Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance and the Pleasanton fire engine – which was donated to Blairgowrie and Rattray by its twin town in California in the USA.
The fire engine will be visiting the hall from 2pm to 3pm on both Saturday and Sunday.
Rattray Arts Festival is open from 10am to 5pm on both days. Entry is free and refreshments will be available.
Throughout August, members of Blairgowrie and Rattray’s creative community are sharing local tales through music, art, photography, crafts and storytelling as part of the celebrations for Scotland’s Year of Stories.
The sessions are being held as part of the fifth annual Blairgowrie and Rattray Arts for Wellbeing Festival – known as It’s BRAW – and have been supported by the Year of Stories 2022 Community Stories Fund.
It’s BRAW runs throughout the year and aims to highlight the wealth of creative talent in the area and support the wellbeing of people in the community by providing opportunities to participate in arts, crafts, music and drama activities.
Inspired by nature and the area’s rich cultural heritage, there are music events telling the history of the famous Berryfields o’ Blair, accessible walks along the River Ericht with wildlife and plantlife experts, nature videography and photography workshops and several creative skills sessions.
There will also be a chance to enjoy performances by award-winning local amateur dramatic group, Blairgowrie Players.
For further details and to book a place at any of the events, see the website www. itsbraw.scot.
This event has been supported by the Year of Stories 2022 Community Stories Fund
This fund is being delivered in partnership between VisitScotland and Museums Galleries Scotland, with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery players.