Artist to host charity painting masterclass

World renowned Scottish artist Jack Vettriano is to host a unique painting masterclass at the University of St Andrews as part of a charity campaign to inspire the next generation of artists.

The event – which will take place on Saturday 22 March 2003 – will be split into two halves and will be held in the Old Union Diner (lecture theatre), Butts Wynd, St Andrews – the café of which was recently transformed thanks to a generous donation by the artist.

A private morning session will see Jack painting and advising 25-30 pre-selected student artists with their own oil paintings.

Meanwhile, the public session, starting at 2pm, will include a 45 minute interview between Jayne Rumsey of Scottish International Relief (SIR) and Jack. SIR aims to relieve human suffering and distress caused by AIDS, conflict and chronic poverty in many parts of the world, including Romania, Liberia and Malawi. Jack will then host a 45 minute question and answer session with members of the audience.

Spaces to the public session will be limited and, therefore, early attendance is recommended.

Tickets will cost £5 with proceeds going towards the University of St Andrews Charities Campaign which, this year, is raising funds for SIR, amongst other causes.

SIR will also be selling signed copies of Jack’s books – “Lovers and Other Strangers” and “Fallen Angels” – at the cost of £14.99 and £7.99 respectively.

Saturday’s event will be followed by the Charities Campaign “Don’t Walk” fashion show – of which Jack is Patron – in St Andrews Bay Hotel on Sunday 23 March 2003. The event, which organisers hope will raise up to £20,000, will see student models showcasing a range of haute couture. An original painting by Vettriano will be auctioned at the event.

ENDS

NOTE TO EDITORS

You are invited to send a photographer to the final stage of the private masterclass at the Old Union Diner, Butts Wynd (off North Street), St Andrews at 11.30am on Saturday 22 March 2003. Due to timing constraints, interview opportunities will be restricted.

A jpeg version of the painting to be auctioned at the fashion show – copyright Jack Vettriano and courtesy of Portland Gallery, London – is available from Claire Grainger, Press Officer, University of St Andrews – 01334 462530 or 07730 415 015.

Issued by Beattie Media on behalf of the University of St Andrews For more information please contact: Claire Grainger on 01334 462530, 07730 415 015 or email cg24@st- andrews.ac.uk View University press releases on- line at http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk Ref: jack- masterclass/standrews/chg/12march20 03