A surge of creativity is about to sweep across Dumfries and Galloway. This year’s Spring Fling open studios weekend, taking place May 23rd to 25th, promises to be the largest and most vibrant yet, showcasing the incredible talent hidden within this beautiful region.
Prepare to be captivated as 111 artists and makers unlock their studio doors, inviting you into their creative worlds. From seasoned professionals to emerging talents, a remarkable diversity of disciplines will be on display – painting, sculpture, jewelry, textiles, and so much more.
Beyond the studios themselves, a series of extraordinary installations will transform the landscape. Imagine encountering “Flock,” a breathtaking display of 1,000 ceramic birds, each uniquely crafted by students from 56 schools across the region, filling the walled garden at Barwhillanty Estate.
The imagination of young artists truly took flight, resulting in a menagerie of feathered creations – from realistic pheasants and finches to fantastical phoenixes. This project, spearheaded by Frances Ross, aimed to ignite a passion for art and develop valuable skills in the next generation.
Prepare for a mesmerizing performance as Oceanallover presents “The Sailmaker’s Palm,” a captivating blend of theatre and music unfolding on the streets. And along the Galloway coast, a new site-responsive installation, “From Tree to Sea,” will draw inspiration from the region’s rich maritime history.
Visitors will also have the unique opportunity to become part of the art itself with Kim Ayres’ “Crowd” project. Individually photographed, each participant’s image will be woven into a stunning large-scale collage, a testament to the collective spirit of the event.
This year’s Spring Fling also shines a spotlight on emerging talent, with jewelry designer Sonah Chaudhry and photographer Trinity Coombs showcasing their work as recipients of Upland’s prestigious Emerge bursaries.
The studios are scattered across the region, stretching from Langholm in the east to Portpatrick and the Mull of Galloway in the west. Six color-coded routes have been designed to guide you on a journey of discovery, revealing hidden artistic gems at every turn.
For those who prefer to leave the driving to someone else, convenient bus tours are available, offering a sustainable and relaxing way to experience the breadth of Spring Fling. Most studios will be open from 10am to 5:30pm, with many offering special evening openings to extend the experience.
Spring Fling isn’t just an art event; it’s an immersion into a thriving creative community, a chance to connect with the artists, and a celebration of the beauty and inspiration found within Dumfries and Galloway.
