The Rotary Club of Strathalbyn has established the David Dridan Foundation in recognition of Strathalbyn's nationally acclaimed artist, David Dridan.
David studied at the South Australian School of Art and later at East Sydney Technical College. There, he met Russell Drysdale, who became a friend and a significant influence on his work. Her was awarded a grant from the British Council in 1961, and travelled to the UK for further study and trained in gallery administration at the Victoria & Albert Museum.
From the late 1960's onwards, he became well known for his landscape views of South Australia. He established his own gallery at McLaren Vale and was the co-founder of the Fleurieu Art Prize.
Now at the age of 89, David can still be found in his Strathalbyn studio with brush in hand.
It was David's desire to give something back to the young people of the Fleurieu that sparked the idea of the foundation, and as David has always been a great friend and supporter of the Rotary Club of Strathalbyn, the club collaborated with David to establish the Foundation.
The aim of the Foundation will be to award scholarships to youth of the district in all forms of art, to assist them with their studies or to get established in their chosen field.
A Gala Fundraising Dinner was held in January 2021 to kick start the foundation, with over 100 guests enjoying dinner and entertainment at Woodburn Homestead, Langhorne Creek.
Local businesses and the community were very generous with their support which has established the fund.
With the help of the Fleurieu Foundation, who have expertise in managing these types of funds, Strathalbyn Rotary along with David Dridan is now formalising the criteria and process for the foundation and will soon be able to invite applications for 2021-22.
Keep an eye out for more exciting functions that will assist in keeping this foundation going into the future.
