Past, Present, Future: The RSA in the Borders is a landmark exhibition at Hawick Museum & Gallery exploring the enduring relationship between the Royal Scottish Academy and the Scottish Borders.

To celebrate the RSA’s 200th year, this show brings together early and contemporary works by artists with a strong connection to the Scottish Borders. Visitors can discover the achievements of past Academicians such as Anne Redpath RSA and Thomas Scott RSA alongside works by today’s leading Academicians including Victoria Crowe RSA, George Donald RSA, Jake Harvey RSA, and Andrew Cranston RSA (Elect).

Looking ahead, the exhibition also highlights the next generation - emerging voices shaping the future of art in the region. Artworks on display include paintings by David Cass and sculptures by Richard Goldsworthy.

Alongside the exhibition, a programme of talks, tours, and tutored workshops offer visitors unique opportunities to engage with the art and ideas that continue to define and inspire creativity in the Scottish Borders.

5 September, 11.30am - 3.30pm 

Workshop: Life Drawing with George Donald RSA

The Scott Gallery, Hawick Museum

Celebrate the Royal Scottish Academy’s 200th anniversary with a special Life Drawing Workshop led by acclaimed artist George Donald RSA.

Inspired by the RSA’s rich tradition of life drawing, these one-day workshops honour a practice that was central to the Academy’s historic Life School in Edinburgh. George Donald RSA is an internationally respected painter, printmaker and tutor, with teaching experience at the University of Central Florida, the Royal Drawing School, and the University of the Arts London. Join this unique opportunity to develop your drawing skills under the guidance of one of Scotland’s leading figurative artists as part of the RSA200 Celebrating Together programme. All materials are provided.

Tickets, priced between £10 - £12, are limited so  booking is esential 

12 September, 11.30am - 2.30pm 

Workshop: Experimental Drawing with Alfons Bytautas RSA 

The Scott Gallery, Hawick Museum

This practical workshop will be an opportunity to examine the practice of drawing itself through enquiry and experiment. Using different drawing materials, we will explore drawing or mark-making through a series of simple exercises. Suitable for both beginners and more experienced artists, this session will aim to develop both your basic drawing skills & visual awareness. We will use methods inspired by the revolutionary teaching practised at the Bauhaus and by ideas set out by William Johnstone in his book, “Child Art To Man Art”. The workshop aims to help you to reshape the way you think about drawing, whether abstract or figurative. All materials are provided.

Tickets, priced between £8 - £10 are limited so booking is esential.