2026 began with curating and hanging the 127th Society of Scottish Artists Annual Exhibition at the Royal Scottish Academy. I thoroughly enjoy my shared role as Vice-President and all the incredible experiences it brings. The SSA is Scotland’s largest art society with over 2000 members. It is an honour for me to serve that membership and also a lot of fun. I had a piece selected for the exhibition so it was wonderful to have my own work in there too.
March has proven to be an exciting and rewarding month, marked by a successful showing at the Borders Art Fair.
A Strong Showing at the Borders Art Fair
The Borders Art Fair (March 12–15) brought together an inspiring range of artists and visitors for this year’s show. The atmosphere was vibrant, with an engaged audience and a genuine appreciation for contemporary art.
Events like this continue to play an important role in connecting artists directly with collectors and the wider public. I love the opportunity to hear what you really think about my work. It is rewarding to see the genuine emotional effect that my work has and keeps me motivated.
Recognition from the RSA Open Exhibition
Adding to the momentum, I have had two pieces work pre-selected for the prestigious 200th RSA Open Exhibition. This milestone exhibition marks a significant achievement, the competition is tough. It reflects the continued recognition of my distinctive artistic voice within Scotland’s art community. The works will appear in the online exhibition from May. I am yet to hear if they will make it onto the walls, wish me luck.
‘Joseph’ (below) is one of the pieces pre-selected for the RSA
‘Future Folklore’
My work continues to be showcased in notable exhibitions:
“Reliquary – Vespae” is soon to go on show at the Visual Arts Scotland (VAS) Exhibition, where it sits among a diverse and compelling collection of contemporary works.
Future Folklore ;
The Art and Craft of Storytelling
28th March 2026 – 30th May 2026
Maclaurin Art Gallery, Ayr
Folklore is never fixed. It evolves with each retelling, carried across generations through craft, song, ritual, and imagination. Ayrshire’s landscape; from its rugged coastline and selkie myths to the haunted ruins celebrated by Robert Burns, has long inspired stories that bridge the human and the otherworldly.
This exhibition brings together artists and makers who use craft as a vessel for storytelling. Weaving together the material and the mythic, they reimagine traditions and invent new narratives for the future.
Looking Ahead: POSt Art Trail
Plans are already underway for the second POSt Art Trail 2026, taking place on August 15–16. As part of this event, I will once again open my studio to the public for the weekend. This offers a unique opportunity to see work in situ, gain insight into the creative process, and engage with me directly . Save the date!
Gill Walton VPSSA VAS 