Press Release: Spring Fling - Artists to Share Their Love of ‘Amazing’ Dumfries and Galloway

As Covid restrictions mean it will be a largely online event, rather than an open studios weekend attracting visitors from across the UK, many participants will highlight work inspired by the environment of Scotland’s rural south west (and much more besides).   

Among them are landscape artist Angela Lawrence, from Castle Douglas, and semi-abstract landscape painter Caroline Hone, from near Kirkcudbright. 

Angela said: “It’s such a wonderful place, with so much variety in its coasts and landscapes. I love the skies here, they are always changing, full of amazing clouds and so many different colours. 

“Many people come to Spring Fling time and again because they enjoy having a break in such a beautiful part of Scotland and meeting up with artists who they have become friends with over the years. 

“I think they will miss that at the moment, so even though they can’t come to our studios we are looking forward to letting them see art that’s inspired by a part of Scotland we all love.”  

Angela is a former violinist who became a professional artist, and opened The Clience Studio, after returning to the UK from Finland and settling in Dumfries and Galloway. She has taken part in every Spring Fling since 2004. 

Caroline previously lived in Cornwall and moved to the region four years ago – attracted by its spectacular scenery and its ever-changing appearance. 

She said: “It’s always so different and magical and there’s so much space – I especially love those moments in winter when the sun pierces through and the hills are lit with electric colours; it’s just incredible.” 

Work by both artists will be shown in online studios and at physical pop-ups which are planned for people living in the region to attend. 

As ever Spring Fling will feature high-quality work by specially selected painters, original printmakers, photographers, jewellery makers, ceramicists, glass makers, textiles designers, woodworkers and others.  

Joanna Macaulay, Assistant Director for Upland which runs Spring Fling, said: “We are delighted to share with the full line up of participants. Many artists and makers are inspired by the scenery and wildlife in Dumfries and Galloway – and one of the aims of Spring Fling has always been to introduce people to this beautiful region.  

“Even though this year’s event is largely online, rather than open studios, we are doing all we can to give audiences the chance to join us in celebrating both the creativity and beauty of south west Scotland.” 

Spring Fling, which is organised by Upland Arts Development, will feature virtual studios, an online exhibition, workshops, talks and demonstrations. The full programme will be published in coming weeks and include details of a special commission and pop-ups. 

Joanna added: “With so much on offer we hope to attract audiences from all over the world to enjoy Spring Fling virtually and with local audiences at our pop-ups, special commission and workshops.  

“We are very grateful to all the artists and makers who are showing such enormous support for an event that is a much-loved part of Scotland’s cultural calendar. Next year will be Spring Fling’s 20^th year so we will hopefully see participants and audiences back in the studios then.”