Award-winning local artist to show at Heroes exhibition

Frances Bell, who had classical training in Florence and has exhibited at some of the UK’s most prestigious shows, is one of seven artists to feature in an exhibition that will highlight the work of some of the top names in the world of contemporary art from the Borders and surrounding areas.

All have kindly donated the commission from work sold at the fair to a special bursary fund to assist artists exhibiting in the future.

The Borders Art Fair takes place at Springwood Park in Kelso from March 16 to 18, and features more than 70 exhibiting artists and galleries.

It is a showcase of some of the finest contemporary art created in and around the region and aims to demonstrate that art is accessible for everyone.

The event will enable the artists to exhibit and sell to a shared audience, all under one roof, and is expected to attract a large number of visitors.

Other leading names exhibiting as part of the Local Heroes exhibition include Susan Ryder RP NEAC, a Coldstream-based painter known for her Prince Charles-commissioned portrait of Princess Diana in her wedding dress, a commission of Her Majesty the Queen, and for her exquisite interior scenes.

Stow-based painter, Andrew Mackenzie, president of Visual Arts Scotland, will also be taking part, as will sculptor Angela Hunter, from Innerleithen, Selkirk-based artist Anna King and self-taught artist Helen Tabor, from Midlem. Portrait artist Aine Divine RSW, from Midlothian will also exhibit.

Frances Fergusson, Borders Art Fair director, said: “The Borders and surrounding areas are awash with creative talent, including some of the finest contemporary artists in the land. The Borders Art Fair aims to celebrate that and to enthuse and encourage the next generation of artists in the region.”