OVER 60 artists, galleries and collectives from the Scottish Borders and beyond are putting the finishing touches to work for this month's Borders Art Fair.

Last year's Fair attracted over 5,000 visitors.

And the organisers are keen to repeat that success as they continue to promote the enjoyment and accessibility of contemporary art.

As well as showcasing the work of dozens of artists, the free event at Springwood Park near Kelso will include live art demonstrations, creative talks and artist-led workshops.

And there will also be the opportunity to speak to the artists and learn about the inspiration and processes behind their work.

A programme of free activities for children has also been developed.

Frances Fergusson, director, Borders Art Fair, told us: “The Scottish Borders is home to dozens of incredible artists and the Borders Art Fair offers the chance to see some wonderful examples of their work, all under one roof.

"Visitors can speak to the artists about their work, enjoy workshops, demonstrations and talks and buy some amazing original work to display in their own homes.

"It’s a wonderful opportunity to discover and be inspired by the amazing talent that exists here in the Borders and we hope that people of all ages from the region and beyond will join us for this very special event.”

A highlight of the 2019 Borders Art Fair will be the specially-curated Spotlight Artists exhibition which greets visitors on arrival and features the work of five of the Borders’ finest and most established artists.

These are Jake Harvey RSA from Maxton, one of Scotland’s most significant sculptors and teachers and Emeritus Professor of Sculpture at Edinburgh College of Art, James Fairgrieve RSA RSW from Gordon, one of the most influential still life painters of his generation and Duns-based painter George Donald RSA RSW, visiting Professor of Drawing and Anatomy at the University of Central Florida.

Also exhibiting will be Allanton colourist Ann Oram RSW, who has exhibited widely across the UK, and painter Neil Nelson from Berwick Upon Tweed, whose work has been exhibited at locations including London’s National Portrait Gallery and the Scottish National Gallery.

Other leading exhibitors attending include sculptor Frippy Jameson, who has a studio near Greenlaw and is currently sculptor in residence at the Household Cavalry.

Award winning Kelso artist, Nev Storer will showcase some of his paintings, as will Siobhan O’Hehir from Ancrum, Anthony Cawthorne from Jedburgh and acclaimed St Boswells wildlife artist, Chris Rose SWLA.

Galleries attending include The Scottish Gallery, Whitmuir’s Dancing Light gallery and the Flat Cat Gallery from Lauder.

Borders Art Fair will also feature representatives from Selkirk-based WASPS studios, including painters Rob Hain, Fiona Millar and Mary Morrison.

Frances added: "As part of the programme, the Royal Scottish Academy will be hosting an exhibition and print demonstration in Kelso Town Hall throughout the weekend.

"Tours can also be booked to see the art and architecture of two of the Borders’ most exceptional historic homes.

"Mellerstain House in nearby Gordon will host tours of the art at the historic property, which is home to work by Van Dyck, Gainsborough and Ramsay.

"Marchmont House, by Greenlaw, will also be open for tours during the weekend following the award-winning refurbishment of the property, where visitors can expect to see an outstanding collection of artworks, both traditional and contemporary, including works by Eduardo Paolozzi, Joshua Reynolds and Antony Gormley."

The 2019 Borders Arts Fair takes place at Springwood Park between 10am and 4pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, March 15, 16 and 17.

Admission is free