KELSO.- Two artists from the same village, but with very different styles, will be among more than 70 exhibitors at the 2025 McInroy & Wood Borders Art Fair (BAF).

Gary Anderson was well known for his geometric paintings, inspired by the urban environment of Edinburgh, but more recently started creating abstracted landscapes – reflecting the rural landscapes of the Borders.

A fellow resident of Stow, just north of Galashiels, Alexandra Warren, uses materials such as gold leaf, to create striking images – often large scale – on wooden boards.
Alexandra’s work shows the influence of icons and similar artworks that she loved to see in churches and museums during her upbringing in Greece.

Since settling in Scotland in 2003 she has focused on developing her career as an artist and has found the Borders Art Fair (often known as the friendliest art fair in Scotland) a superb place to exhibit.

She said: “It has such a great atmosphere and is so friendly. They always make people feel so welcome, and there’s such a great selection of art and artists – I really enjoy the event.”

Gary, who until recently was based at Marchmont House, near Greenlaw, has shown at the fair twice before and there was such enthusiasm for his work last year that every piece was sold.

Once again, he will be sharing a stand with Martha Ellis, who creates detailed and complex cut-outs of people and landscapes.

He said: “Visitors will be able to see a whole selection of my work – some of the more geometric pieces, and paintings that have been more influenced by the wonderful landscapes of the Borders.

“We had such a great time last year, we’re really looking forward to being back again to meet and talk to people again.”

This year’s Borders Art Fair takes place 14-16 March at the Borders Events Centre, Kelso, and visitors are invited to pay what they can afford for entry.

A wide range of exhibitors will be taking part from across the country including Visual Arts Scotland (VAS) and the South-East Scotland Printmakers and Book Artists.
There will also be live art demonstrations and other creative goings-on, as well as a food hall.

Frances Fergusson, Director of the Borders Art Fair, said: “It’s shaping up to be a superb year, with such an inspiring variety of artists, galleries and studios taking part – so save the date in your diary.

“One of things visitors value about it is the friendliness and the chance to browse round, meeting and chatting to painters, printmakers, sculptors, ceramicists, silversmiths and many others – as well as being able to see how some of the work is created.

“The whole event is family friendly and makes a lovely day out. It’s also a great chance to look round Kelso and the other lovely towns and villages in our region.”