Borders Art Fair - Reflections

Day Two at the Borders Art Fair

It’s Monday 16th March as I write this, reflecting on my experience exhibiting at the Borders Art Fair, which finished yesterday. My husband, Michael, was with me throughout. He was helping me to set up the stand and supporting me all weekend.

We both loved the experience, and it surpassed our expectations. Today feels a little flat in comparison, which I think says a lot about how immersive and enjoyable it was. I kept notes throughout with advice from other artists, ideas for new work, and things I’d improve next time. This blog is really a reflection for my future self as much as anything else.

I’ve split it into three parts: before, during, and after the fair.

The day before!

We spent a good two hours manoeuvring the cardboard boxes around trying to comfortably fit everything into our car boot.

Before the Fair

I applied in autumn 2025, knowing the fair was well attended, well organised, and close enough to be manageable. I had exhibited in 2022, but didn’t have enough work at the time. This year was different as I had 25 artworks from my Inner Worlds collection and felt ready. Even so, I had my usual doubts: what if no one connects with the work?

Thankfully, I’d built up framed pieces over the past two years, so preparation wasn’t rushed. I gave myself eight weeks to get everything ready, which included updating my website, creating stand information boards, planning my layout in Photoshop, ordering hanging equipment, and preparing certificates of authenticity.

My stand layout, created in Photoshop.

There were also a few unexpected challenges which took far longer than anticipated due to technical issues. Framing was another tight deadline, with one large piece collected on the morning of set-up. Talk about stressful! The biggest lesson here: always allow extra time for things to go wrong.

We stayed at the Ednam House Hotel, just minutes from the Borders Events Centre, which made everything much easier. Packing the car the night before was a job in itself, everything just about fit. To build some anticipation in the lead-up, I shared previews of the work on social media. Even with eight weeks of preparation, I’d start even earlier next time. Although, I know it will feel much easier now that I’ve done it once properly.

Buzz, fooling around with my hanging equipment. He developed an obsession with the perlon cords.

During the Fair

Showing work at an art fair is something you really have to experience. The pace shifts constantly. Sometimes it’s fast, sometimes it’s slow, but it’s always engaging.

I quickly learned the importance of having clear talking points. My Scene paintings are narrative-driven, so I could tell the story behind them, while my Meditation Symphonies allowed me to talk more about process and inspiration. I spoke about my visits to the Victoria and Albert Museum and V&A Dundee, where I discovered Tibetan Thangkas and Mandalas.

The other artists were incredibly supportive. We celebrated each other’s sales, shared advice, and kept morale high. Small gestures like a neighbour helping reposition my stand sign made a big difference. Michael and I took turns having quiet lunch breaks in the car, which became essential resets after hours of conversation.

We rearranged the stand on Sunday to accommodate extra artwork and to keep things fresh.

In the evenings, we explored the area, which made the trip feel like a mini break. We visited Alnwick and dined at the White Swan Hotel, in a room made from the first-class lounge of the RMS Olympic (sister ship to the RMS Titanic). It felt very eery, I loved that about it. We also visited Berwick-upon-Tweed to see family.

Sales for me began on Saturday, which was both exciting and a relief. One of the most memorable moments was watching someone connect emotionally with a painting and buy it on the spot. It made me smile because that is exactly how I often choose art myself. It’s emotional first. People described my work as cheerful, colourful, and unique, referencing influences like Grayson Perry, It’s a Small World, and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. I was delighted by this of course, these are genuine connections and influences within my art.

A key takeaway was pricing. I realised my Scene Paintings may be undervalued, and that price can influence how work is perceived. I also had many requests for prints, which I wasn’t able to offer this time. One of the loveliest things was seeing children drawn to the work and even posing for photos beside it.

After the Fair

Packing up was less enjoyable than setting up, but made easier by the fact we were leaving with fewer pieces. A slightly stressful moment came when the car wouldn’t start (lol) the battery had died . The AA got us back on the road within the hour and we made it home that evening (with a McDonald’s stop along the way). Next time, I’ll definitely take the Monday off to properly rest and reset.

Saying goodbye to the other artists was a surprisingly emotional moment. There was such a genuine sense of community and shared appreciation. It reminded me how important it is to show work in the real world. As Finneas O’Connell has said about touring in a podcast I once watched, that real-time connection with people is invaluable. I felt that deeply over the weekend as  my work is so detailed that it really benefits from being seen in person.

Since returning home, I’ve already started thinking about new ideas. I plan to begin with sketches of flowers I photographed at Scone Palace, which I’ll develop into patterns for future pieces. I’ve also tracked all my costs and sales in a spreadsheet, which will be invaluable when deciding whether to apply again. Printing and framing were my biggest expenses, followed by the stand and accommodation. Long term, I’d like to explore working with galleries as well.

Finally, a warm welcome to my new Arty People Club members, and thank you to everyone who came to visit me. Your support truly means a great deal.