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Press Release: Launch of Spring Fling Showcase

12.4.2016

The annual Spring Fling Showcase exhibition was launched on Friday, featuring work from around 60 of artists, makers and designers.

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Craft Scotland Director Fiona Logue (left), Upland Director Clare Hanna (centre) & Dumfries Provost Cllr Ted Thompson (right). Photo by Angie Gilmour

Well over 100 people turned out for a special preview at Gracefield Arts Centre in Dumfries.

Among them were Craft Scotland Director Fiona Logue and Dumfries Provost Councillor Ted Thompson.

The exhibitors are all artists, makers and designers who have been selected for Spring Fling 2016, which is Scotland’s premier contemporary visual art and craft open studios event.

The showcase runs from 9 April to 21 May and is unusual because it is not only a chance to see finished works, but to discover how they were created.

Fiona said she was “hugely impressed” by the exhibition and the way it helped people understand the creative processes that go into a piece of art or craft.

She was also full of praise for Spring Fling and said: “I just wish I could clone it and take it to other parts of Scotland.”

The Provost added that the arts play an important role in the Dumfries and Galloway economy, generating jobs, income and opportunities and that strong ties between the council and the creative sector are essential.

He said: “I would very much like to thank Spring Fling for its contribution to the region.”

Clare Hanna, Director (maternity cover) for Upland the arts agency which runs Spring Fling, said: “We were delighted to see such a big turnout for the launch and hear so much enthusiasm for what Spring Fling achieves.

“We are very proud to act as a showcase for some of the remarkable creativity that there is in Dumfries and Galloway.

“Hopefully visitors will enjoy the chance to come to Gracefield and get a foretaste of all the exciting things we have to offer for the main weekend.”

The exhibition has been curated by Joanna Macaulay, Upland’s Events and Exhibitions Manager.

Among the participating artists and makers at the exhibition are Morgan Hardie, Archie McCall, Fraser Irvine, Clare Dawdry, Andy Priestman, Angela Lawrence, Natalie Vardey, Amanda Simmons, Clare Melinksy, Denise Zygadlo, Morag Macpherson, Rory Laycock, Suzanne Stuart Davies, Michael Batey, Jo Gallant, Hazel Campbell, Kaz Robertson, Silvana McLean, Hannah McAndrew & Doug Fitch, Patti Lean, Hazel Campbell, Jennie Ashmore, Sarah Stewart, Davy Brown, Cathy Sidhu, Daniel Lacey.

The main open studios weekend features 94 artists and makers all across the region and takes place from 28 to 30 May.