Exhibitors named for Dumfries and Galloway’s 16th Spring Fling

Spring Fling, Scotland’s premier open studios event, has unveiled the rich mix of artists and makers selected to take part in 2018.

The 16 annual event takes place across Dumfries and Galloway from 26 to 28 May and will include a dozen new participants (see full list below) and many popular and familiar exhibitors.

Visitors will be able to see jewellery, ceramics, sculpture, paintings, photography, original prints, metalwork, glass, textiles, furniture and more.

Joanna Macaulay, Events and Exhibitions Manager for Upland which runs Spring Fling, said: “It’s always a real pleasure to unveil the list of artists and makers who will be throwing open their studio doors for the annual Spring Fling open studios weekend. The mix for 2018 is as rich as ever, with nationally and internationally renowned names alongside emerging new talents. As always, a great attraction is the chance to meet, chat and see people at work in their studios while discovering one of Scotland’s most beautiful rural regions.”

Among the participants are established favourites such as:

• Janet Ibbotson, from near Castle Douglas, who is renowned for her designer tweed jackets and coats and cashmere embroidered scarves.
• Amanda Simmons, of Corsock, who produces exquisite kiln formed wall panels and glassware.
• Kay Ribbens, from Newton Stewart, a maker of bold and delightful hats
• Adam Booth, Kirkpatrick Durham, creator of amazing metal sculptural and architectural work.
• Hazel Campbell, Castle Douglas, well known for her bold, semi-abstract landscapes and still life paintings.
• Ailsa Black, Carsethorn, whose gentle and often amusing paintings are inspired by Scottish village and country life.
• Peter Wareing, in Whithorn, is among a selection of excellent ceramacists. His simple, classic wheel made pots are illustrated using the ancient technique of tube lining, using imagery inspired by nature.
• Lizzie Farey, from Castle Douglas, is a respected artist who sculptures in willow, and other woods, are in worldwide demand.
• Morag Macpherson, Kirkcudbright, an international textile artist whose new Surrender collection has been informed by abstract painting techniques. Morag is one of a number of artists from the Wasps studios in Kirkcudright taking part.
• Angela Lawrence, from Castle Douglas, has a deep love of the Galloway sea and skyscapes. She walks its coastlines most days and captures their gentle beauty in her oil paintings.
• Max Nowell, Auldgirth, the creator of remarkable sculptures – many of them designed for the outdoors – and there are many visitors who love to see his studios and garden year after year.
• Clare Melinsky, Thornhill, an illustrator and printmaker whose work is loved by millions – whether as the artist who created the Harry Potter book covers or as the creator of a variety of Royal Mail stamps.
• Lisa Rothwell Young, Langholm, is one of many jewellery makers whose work can be enjoyed during Spring Fling and one of a vibrant collection of artists and makers in the town.
• Heather and Colin Blanchard, of Waterbeck, are a painter and original printmaker whose studios are a highlight for many visitors. Colin uses traditional and contemporary techniques to create original prints that often depict British wildlife. Heather’s paintings often depict what she calls “unconsidered landscapes” – simple trees, gates, hedges and tracks.

There will be 11 new faces including David Rae, a Dalbeattie painter with a hyper realistic style, and installation and mixed media artist Kyna Hodges, from Moniaive. Both are participating as part of the Emerge bursary programme that they were awarded by Upland CIC which are designed to develop young artists and give them experience of being part of a large-scale event.

In addition to those based in the area there will be five guests taking part through Spring Fling’s Neighbours Scheme. They are textile artist and printmaker Gail Kelly from County Down in Northern Ireland, painter Annie Coxey from Kirkby Lonsdale in Cumbria, willow weaver Geoff Forrest from near Loch Doon in East Ayrshire and Miles-Moore Ceramics, a husband and wife team from Kirkby Lonsdale in Cumbria.

A further five are Springbacks, who have strong connections with Dumfries and Galloway, but are currently living and working elsewhere. They include Penrith painter Suzanne Stuart Davies, jewellers Kaz Robertson, from Edinburgh and Terri Campbell from Cumnock and ceramacists Jo Walker, from Dunfermline and Wendy Kershaw from Lochwinnoch.

www.spring-fling.co.uk