Spring, a time of lengthening days, new beginnings, and promise – a cause to celebrate!

One of the joys of being in the Borders countryside is that we are kept in touch with how the changing seasons affect the landscape surrounding us. Already, even under the snow, the first new green shoots are pushing up, clamouring towards the sun, regenerating. They promise so much: an end to the cold, dark nights; a hint of colour in an otherwise dull landscape; and the first sign of abundance in the months ahead.

Come and celebrate the arrival of Spring at our Awakenings exhibition with vibrant colour, variety and creativity. This is a mixed exhibition of different artists who have worked in a variety of media to produce an uplifting and thought-provoking collection of paintings. There is also a playful look at one of our much-loved rituals of Springtime – the Spring Clean!

Audrey Hawthorne paints beautiful watercolours of flowers and plants, as does Linda Kinsman-Blake in a departure from her wonderful ceramics. In contrast, Jane Mitchell uses a hybrid of photography, painting and printmaking to create images which present threatening subjects as attractive and benign.

The ever-changing landscape in and around nearby Carlops inspires Catriona Taylor in her acrylic and mixed media works, whilst Andrew Walker uses bold, expressive, colour and texture to convey an excitement about the natural world around us.

Hazel Vellacott also lives and works nearby and some of her work in this exhibition was inspired by a recent residency with the National Trust for Scotland at Newhailes House.

We warmly invite you to a private view of this uplifting exhibition on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 March from 12 midday until 3pm.


Come for Lunch!

Why not make a day of it and enjoy lunch at Whitmuir the Organic Place while you’re here? The restaurant is deservedly very popular and booking is recommended (01968 661147).

We look forward to seeing you at the gallery!

Helen, Helen, Jan and Kirsten