More than 4,000 visitors flocked to the McInroy & Wood Border\u2019s Art Fair to see work by over 70 exhibitors who came from as far away as Caithness and Kent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Art sales totalled more than \u00a3210,000 at the annual weekend event which ran from 14-16 March at the Borders Events Centre, Kelso.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Among those taking part were Sharon Quigley, who was the BAF artist in residence at the Borders-based Hugo Burge Foundation in February (a free stand at BAF was part of the residency award).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many of the exhibitors are familiar figures while others are new, such as kweenie [corr]<\/em> who was taking part in an art fair for the very first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Among the other participants were Wendy Helliwell with her dramatic and colourful creations, which include fabulous, colourful works from shoes, the award-winning Kirsten Todd whose work celebrates female energy, and Ing Printmaker (Ingrid Nilsson).<\/p>\n\n\n\n There were also the joint winners of the BAF best stand award Martha Ellis who creates detailed cut-out drawings and Borders painter Gary Anderson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Frances Fergusson<\/strong>, Director of the Borders Art Fair, said: \u201cThere was a fantastic vibe at the event, with thousands of visitors coming in from all over the country \u2013 one had even flown across from America.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe are absolutely delighted that people enjoyed themselves so much and went home with so much wonderful art.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBorders Art Fair has grown into something very special for the area \u2013 a weekend that\u2019s fun, friendly, gives people the chance to explore the region \u2013 and which brings real benefits to our local economy.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The range of exhibitors included Visual Arts Scotland (VAS) and the South-East Scotland Printmakers and Book Artists. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The fair also features live art demonstrations and other creative goings-on, as well as a food hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n – Ends –<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Notes for Editors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Borders Art Fair was at: Springwood Hall, Borders Events Centre, Border Union Showground, Springwood Park, Kelso, TD5 8LS. For more visit www.bordersartfair.com<\/a>, call 07803 012620 or email info@bordersartfair.com<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n