AN AUTUMN online edition of Spring Fling has kicked off, showcasing some of the region’s finest creative talent.
The three-day event – extended this year to eight – typically sees artists, sculptors, jewellers, photographers and everyone in-between open up studios to the public over the May bank holiday weekend. Despite this year’s Fling being cancelled due to Coronavirus, organisers were still determined to give a behind-the-scenes look at how artists work.
And while many will miss the real-life experiences physically enjoyed in the workspaces, the event’s digitisation is by no means its dilution as over 80 creators from around Dumfries and Galloway are opening their digital doors.
They include 15 new participants such as pottery aficionado Joshua Williams, jeweller and silversmith Iona Hall and glassmaker Hazel MacLennan, whose work and studios are being shown through a series of videos.
From Stranraer to Sanquhar, viewers are being taken on an exploration of craft; to Kirkcowan, where hat-maker Kay Ribbens shows you around her studio in Mochrum Park House; to New Abbey, where ceramicist, Archie McCall takes you for a spin, and to the Rhinns of Galloway, where local artists Jane Fraser, Glenda Waterworth and Linda Irving feature in a film focusing on their art and the area.
Discussing the successful launch of the first online edition of Scotland’s premier open studios event, Joanna Macaulay, of Upland Arts Development CIC, said: “It’s great to be up and running – Spring Fling is such an popular event we were absolutely determined to find a way to make it happen.
“The artists and makers have done a huge amount to help us make the transformation from a physical to an online event and – most importantly – one that is true to the spirit of Spring Fling.
“The films, the studio pages and everything else that has been set up aim to give a real flavour of the region, its artists and makers. And we hope it will encourage visitors to come here in person next year.”
Autumn Spring Fling is live and free to view at www.spring-fling.co.uk until Monday, October 12.
