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International Galleries to Feature at the First Aberdeen Art Fair

The Granite City is hosting the first of what will undoubtedly become a major date on the cultural calendar with the staging of the inaugural Aberdeen Art Fair this summer. The event will bring together more than 40 International galleries and artists from across Europe.

An exciting and eclectic range of original art will be showcased from across the UK, Germany, Norway and Monaco.

The 2011 Aberdeen Art Fair, sponsored by oil giant TAQA, will take place at the Music Hall on the weekend of 13th and 14th August, organiser Gerry Muldoon of GM Events, said, “This is a first for Aberdeen and with works on view ranging from around £50 to upwards of £10,000, there really will be something to suit all tastes and budgets.

“In terms of the variety and quality on display, I don’t think I am in any way understating things when I say it will be absolutely stunning. For instance, the renowned painter Henri Lorenzi from Monaco’s studio (www.henrilorenzi.com) is exhibiting, as are the magnificent Eduardo Alessandro Studios (www.eastudios.com), in addition to well known local operations including the Gallery Heinzel (www.galleryheinzel.com) and Peacock Visual Arts (www.peacockvisualarts.com).

“In essence, we have galleries and artists coming from all over the United Kingdom and beyond for an event, the like of which this part of the country has never witnessed previously.

“In addition to the works themselves, there are several educational opportunities available including lectures on the history of art in the north east and how to properly look after works of art.

“We will also be featuring an Art Club for 5 to 10 year olds which will undoubtedly inspire the younger members of the audience and the whole experience will be one for all ages and for people with a passing interest in art through to the expert. Indeed, this is a unique opportunity to see two million pounds worth of art for £3 and will, I am certain, be the first of what will become one of the most sought after events in the public’s diaries here in the north east.

“I have been extremely heartened by the positive responses from the art community to this initiative and the vast majority of the available space at the Music Hall has been taken up exceptionally quickly. We have now reached full capacity with 40 galleries and artists confirmed.

“I would also like to thank TAQA for their fantastic support and understanding as to how significant an event the Aberdeen Art Fair is set to be.”

Dawn Schultz, City Promotion Manager said "Aberdeen City Council is delighted to support the Inaugural Aberdeen Art Fair and congratulate the organisers on realising their ambition of staging such a unique event in city. That we have also been able to work closely with galleries from our twinning partners of Stavanger and Regensburg to lend an international dimension to the event will ensure that the Aberdeen Art Fair is a welcome addition to the exciting annual cultural events programme that exists in Aberdeen."

Leo Koot, TAQA Bratani’s managing director, said: “We are delighted to be able to support the arts in our local community. Helping to bring a new event such as the Art Fair to Aberdeen and help establish it as a feature of the area’s arts scene is a fantastic opportunity.

Creative Scotland is delighted to support the inaugural Aberdeen Art Fair and development officer Andrew Leitch commented. “We are excited that Aberdeen Art Fair will be host to a number of Own Art galleries and feel the Aberdeen Art Fair shares these ambitions and will offer these opportunities to the people of Aberdeen and beyond.”

The Own Art scheme makes art affordable to the public through offering interest free loans of between £100 and £2,000 to buy works.

Entry to the inaugural Aberdeen Art Fair will cost just £3 for a full day with free entry for accompanied children (Under 15). The fair will be open from 9.30 am to 4 pm on Saturday 13th August and from 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday 14th August. Full details can be found on www.aberdeenartfair.co.uk. Visit www.facebook.com/abdnartfair to join the Facebook page for all the latest news.

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