Thirteen new artists and makers are joining Dumfries & Galloway’s Spring Fling this year, bringing the total number of open studios to a record-breaking 104.
Among them are bladesmith Timoth Westley who makes chefs’ knives and installation artist Hetal Chudasama. They will be joining returning artists including Anne Butler, Joshua Miles, Rachel Ashcroft, Laura Derby and Lisa Hooper.
From May 25 to 27, studios belonging to painters, jewellery makers, glass artists, sculptors, photographers, printmakers and textile artists will be open for the public to explore.
While most of the artists and makers selected to take part are based in the region full-time, organisers Upland CIC also have a New Graduate, Neighbours and a Springback scheme, allowing artists and makers from adjoining areas to take part along with people who have strong connections with Dumfries & Galloway but are currently living elsewhere.
Upland Assistant Director Joanna Jones said: “Interest in being part of Spring Fling is going from strength to strength which is great for our visitors, for the region and for the artists and makers themselves.
“And this year we have 104 studios taking part, four more than 2023, and an all-time record for an event which dates back over 20 years and has grown to become a much-loved part of the country’s cultural calendar. “As ever, a visit to Spring Fling is a chance to meet remarkable people, visit wonderful studios in some highly unusual settings, and explore one of Scotland’s least known but most beautiful rural regions.”
Since its conception, Spring Fling has attracted around 174,000 visitors who have made over 546,000 studio visits. In 21 years, more than £10.2 million has been spent in the studios and the event has brought in over £17.5 million for the region’s economy.
Visitors can follow six colour-coded routes taking them around studios in different parts of the region. Some studios will have evening openings and there will be other attractions like walking and bus tours and demonstrations in the lead up to the event. • For the full list of participating studios visit www.spring-fling.co.uk.
