Preview: Borders Art Fair

L-r, Denise and Jane of the Vennel Gallery in Kelso. Both are organising the Scottish Borders Arts Fair, a large exhibition at Springwood Park on the weekend of Saturday 22nd March. Pictured here with one of Denise's paintings which is her dog 'Goof' (also in photo).

The brainchild of Denise Playfair and Jane Smith of Kelso’s Vennel Gallery, the showcase will take residence in Springwood Hall, Kelso, next Saturday and Sunday.

That’s when around 60 artists will set out their stall.

The event came to light after Denise and Jane got on board with Crossing Borders, the local art collective who host an annual trail spanning the Borders and north Northumberland.

Their first port of call was a fair in Edinburgh but then on closer investigation Jane said any potential involvement proved to be “prohibitively expensive” so they decided to go their own way.

“The Scottish Borders has the highest number of makers and artists per capita in Scotland and the second highest in the UK so it’s only right that we recognise this,” she said.

“Springwood is a fabulous venue right on our doorstep so we thought we should take advantage of the space.”

Admission to the two day event is free but there will be a small charge for a souvenir brochure detailing the exhibiting artists and their work.

And with such a wide range of art on display this should help give an insight into the names behind the creations.

“There is such a diverse range of art on show; animal paintings, landscapes, wood carvings - we’ve got a huge selection.

“We’ve had a enthusiastic response from artists on both sides of the border and a host of local businesses have been generous with their donations.”

The Borders Art Fair will have a private viewing on Friday, March 21, when someone from the Tweeddale Press will choose their favourite artist.

The winner will have a feature in our papers and coverage over the coming year so watch this space.

Entry to the art fair is free and brochures will be priced £2.