Meet Glenfiddich’s Newest Artist in Residence

Distilling Scotch is as much an art as a science, and since 2002, our friends at the Glenfiddich Distillery have shown their respect and support for the world of art through the Glenfiddich Artists-in-Residence program. The initiative has garnered wide acclaimed from the art world for providing groundbreaking artists with a unique setting, space, and community at the distillery to foster the artists’ ability to create new work.

Canadian artist Vanessa Maltese is the latest creator to join the more than 152 artists from 20 countries who have previously called the Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown home. She and seven other artists will spend three months together, working on new artistic endeavors inspired by the distillery, history, heritage, people, and craftsmanship of the surrounding area.

There’s also a $20,000 prize up for grabs.

Overall, the program seeks to recognize and reward in artists the same maverick spirit which drives the distillers at Glenfiddich, and past participants have drawn heavily from the singularly beautiful landscape of Speyside for works in all media, though Maltese will be the first dedicated painter, according to Andy Fairgrieve, Program Co-ordinator, who added "Vanessa does not confine herself to flat works, often incorporating elements of sculpture and installation. The precision she displays in her work will be a welcome addition to this coming year's program."