Posts for June, 2024

​The Focus Arts and Crafts Design Group​ is proud to be the largest, and longest established craft group in the North East of Scotland. We have been in existence for over 30 years, having evolved from the Gordon Craft Association, which was constituted in 1989. We are a non-profit making association, run on a voluntary basis by local crafters. Our aim is to support and promote the wealth of local art and handmade crafts created by our members. ​

We run a comprehensive programme of craft fairs at several venues from February to December, including the Aboyne Games. Focus only sells items handmade by our artisan members who enjoy talking to you about their creations when you visit our fairs.
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Looking for that unique gift for someone special? Come along and see for yourself what an extensive range of distinctive and lovingly handcrafted products are available direct from our talented artisan members. Our calendar of events can be found here.

FREE ENTRY. Royal Deeside’s annual art exhibition, featuring the artwork of around 40 North East artists working across a variety of mediums. Exhibition includes original paintings, drawings, jewellery and sculpture as well as prints and cards. Open daily in Aboyne’s Victory Hall 10am-6pm between July 20th and August 10th. Find out more about our exhibiting

Free Entry!

Featuring 20+ fabulous stallholders from across Deeside and beyond, plus one fun fundraising stall from a local charity or organisation.

Stallholders’ fees benefit the V&A Halls.

Sunday 23rd June – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sunday August 11th – 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday 13th October – 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Live music with this talented group

Monadh Ruadh Summer Tour 2024 / Monadh Ruadh air Chuairt 2024
Ceòl traidiseanta bho cuid den cheòladairean òga as fheàrr aig Fèis Spè

A free concert showcasing young local traditional musicians aged 14-17 from the Badenoch and Strathspey area under the guidance of renowned fiddle player Charlie McKerron. Organised by Fèis Spè.

Come join us for some splendid music at one of the fabulous venues in the Highlands this week.
THIGIBH ANN AGUS ÈIST RI CEÒL BEÒ TRAIDISEANTA

Join Timber + Stitch in their Aviemore Studio and learn the basics of screen printing onto fabric.

This beginners screen printing class will take place in a relaxed environment over a 2.5 hr period.

You will use hand cut paper stencils (either scissor or scalpel cut) to create your own unique tea towel or tote bag print.

– You will learn how to prepare stencils
– You will learn about suitable fabrics and inks to use
– You will create a unique printed tea towel or tote bag to take home

All materials are included in the price. You can choose to print either a tea towel or tote bag.

Join Timber + Stitch in their Aviemore Studio and learn the basics of screen printing onto fabric in the morning and sewing a lined zipper pouch in the afternoon.

This class will take place in a relaxed environment over a 4.5 hr period.

You will use hand cut paper stencils (either scissor or scalpel cut) to create your own unique print and then sew your fabric finishing the class with your own zip pouch. These little zip pouches are so versatile and a great skill to have and after the class you will be confident to make more.

What you will learn in the class:
– You will learn how to prepare paper stencils
– You will learn about suitable fabrics and inks to use for screen printing
– You will learn how to heat set your printed fabric
– You will learn how to insert a zip
– You will learn how to sew up a lined pouch

All materials are included in the class but you must bring your own sewing machine. (Basic sewing machine skills required).

This class will run from 10:00 – 14:30 with a short break for lunch when some yummy nibbles will be provided.

Join Timber + Stitch in their Aviemore Studio and learn the basics of screen printing.
This beginners screen printing class will take place in a relaxed environment over a 2.5 hr period.
You will use hand cut paper stencils (either scissor or scalpel cut) to create your own unique tea towel print.

– You will learn how to prepare stencils
– You will learn about suitable fabrics and inks to use
– You will create a unique printed tea towel to take home

All materials are included in the price

The Mountains are Calling is our new summer exhibition, taking inspiration from the rugged landscape of the Highlands and beyond.

Our specially selected artists will show their beautiful works of art, including photography, painting and printmaking, and reveal how they are inspired by those imposing peaks.

Artists include Kitty Watt, Shona Cammack, Campbell Bryson, Esther Tyson, Rona Kant, Myrddin Irwin, Georgia Murray and many more.

Rachel Walker & Aaron Jones
Live @ Glenbuchat Hall
Saturday 29th June 7.30pm
Entrance £15 under 16s £10
To reserve tickets in advance
Tel : 01975641303
Email : events@glenbuchatmusic.co.uk

Bringing together one of Scotland’s finest Gaelic singer / songwriters with one of the country’s foremost folksingers and accompanists, Rachel Walker and Aaron Jones celebrate songs from both the traditional and contemporary repertoire with a focus on sensitive arrangements with beautiful vocal harmony.

Two of Scotland’s most highly regarded performers, Rachel Walker and Aaron Jones bring a wealth of skills, knowledge, musicianship and experience to this exciting new duo. After years of writing, touring and performing with many of traditional music’s finest, Rachel and Aaron have joined forces to create one of the scenes most exciting new collaborations. Their combined passion for song and the exploration of the wide repertoire across the tradition, blended with beautiful and heartfelt original songs, ensure an evening of captivating live music and song with two of Scotland’s finest singers & musicians.

Despite The Wind & Rain celebrates inspirational Scottish women. Including songs and stories of artist, campaigner & photographer Maud Sulter, and health pioneer, suffragette & LGBTQ+ icon Flora Murray who both lived in D&G. It was released to great critical acclaim in November 2022 and launched at a headline concert at The MacIntosh Church in Glasgow as part of Celtic Connections in February 2023.

The concert will feature a mixture of Gaelic and English song, including the album in it’s entirety, the back stories of the Scottish women who inspired the tracks, and a selection of traditional and contemporary songs.