The Gallery Melrose is celebrating its first birthday this month.
It has been a year of discovery and excitement, of growing, learning, building expectations and going with the flow.
The Gallery Melrose sell paintings, pottery, wood carvings, ceramics, glass and jewellery all handmade by skilled artistic people living within a few miles of the town.
A spokesman said: ‘We know what we like in today’s art scene, but what we had to do, is to learn what you like!
‘It has been a real eye-opener and an inspiration.
‘The number of talented and creative people in this region just continues to amaze us and we are so thrilled to be the conduit for their success.
The Shepherd’s Hand by Colin Robertson
‘We are also representing artists from other parts of the UK, ensuring that we offer a dynamic mix of art that can be the inspiration for our customers who are collectors or for those who just love art recognising the talent of our artists.
‘Being at the centre of a busy market town has been beneficial, as Melrose prides itself on welcoming visitors and offering a great retail choice.
‘Our customers include serious collectors and those who are inspired to collect. We have welcomed visitors from all over the country and from many other countries, Canada, USA, Mexico, Germany, Italy, France, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand to name just a few.
‘Our central position draws customers, whether they are walkers, cyclists, campers or locals just out for a walk with the dog and we are delighted to say that once they have been into the shop – they often invest in some form of art.
‘Some of our visitors stay a while, experiencing the immense talent on display, comparing it to work they have seen elsewhere or just commenting on its originality – making our days interesting, diverse and informative. We have learned so much about what our customers want and have worked hard to meet their demand.
Tweed Reflections Dusk by Geoff Hickey
‘In our first year we have grown our collection of art and gifts for sales, expanded the gallery to offer space for exhibits and events and have also, by popular demand, added a bespoke picture framing service which is already being sought after by many of our customers.
‘We are constantly working on presenting an original selection of art, handcrafted items and gifts, that are in-keeping with the constantly changing landscape of customers into the Gallery, and we just wanted to say that this first year has been exceptional and is certainly beyond our expectations.’
In their second year, the Gallery Melrose plan to introduce their first exhibitions aimed at bringing visitors exciting new works and, The Big G – as the gallery has affectionately become known – will hold three exhibitions in 2018.
These will run from 30 March-8 April, with the theme ‘New Beginnings’, 29 June-30 July with the theme ‘Essence of Nature’, and then 9 November-10 December with the theme ‘Reflections’.
They will also have a stand at the Borders Arts Fair, being held in Springwood Park, Kelso from 15-18 March.
The spokesman said: ‘To everyone who has crossed our path in this first year, we would like to say thank you.
‘Thank you for your custom, for you frequent visits, for buying from us, for sharing our news by posting and tweeting photos on social media and for becoming part of our valued audience supporting The Gallery Melrose.’
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