Article Source: Spring Fling
Last Updated: 11 May 2020 11:30
The organisers of Spring Fling are launching SF | At Home – a new programme of digital activities.
The initiative is to support Spring Fling audiences and artists though this period of isolation and fill some of the gap left by the postponement of Scotland’s leading open studios weekend.
A total of 87 artists and craft makers across Dumfries & Galloway were expecting to welcome around 12,000 visitors through their doors between 23 and 25 May.
Despite having to delay the long-running annual event its parent organisation, Upland CIC, has worked with artists, makers and supporters to go digital.
Some studios will offer virtual tours, there will be an online exhibition plus workshops and demonstrations suitable for all ages.
The website is also being updated to showcase all the studios selected for Spring Fling 2020 and with a variety of art and craft to browse and buy.
Joanna Macaulay, Assistant Director for Upland, said: “The next bank holiday weekend just won’t be the same without Spring Fling. It is one of the most successful events of its kind in the UK – a much-loved highlight of the year for visitors and participants alike.
“We hope that SF | At Home will fill some of the gap. Even though the artists and makers can’t open their doors in the usual way – people can still meet some of them online to see their studios, watch demonstrations and even take part in workshops.
“And hopefully it will inspire those who aren’t familiar with Spring Fling, or this beautiful region of south-west Scotland, to come and see us later in the year.”
“It is really important for us to keep our artists engaged with their audiences and to do our bit in providing creative opportunities for our Spring Fling visitors.
“Art and craft are good for wellbeing and we hope that our workshops and demonstrations will be welcomed by those in isolation. The timing is especially appropriate as 18-24 May is Mental Health Awareness week.”
Anyone wanting to use lockdown to develop their own art skills should watch out for the tutorials by established artists Bella Green and Liz Gilbey among others. Bella, who has 50 years’ experience in art education will run two sessions under the title of Making Your Mark.
Liz is filming short videos that introduce simple drawing techniques making use of materials available around the house when a full art kit is not available.
She said: “We are all eating and cooking at home at the moment and, so one of the things I’ll be doing is looking at the beauty of the ordinary in the kitchen – the fruit and veg, the glass and ceramics. I’ll be encouraging a free and loose approach to drawing and full expression in colour.”
Emily Tough will present an online exhibition and virtual tour of the artwork she created as the Spring Fling Wigtown Book Festival Artist in Residence last year.
This saw her use recycled materials to create puppets inspired by stories and people at the book festival – all within a miniature big top.
The SF | At Home online activities are also an important way for Upland CIC to help support artists, makers and small businesses – many of them facing substantial challenges due to the lockdown. Upland plans to announce a new date for Spring Fling 2020 in the coming months.
SF | At Home workshops and live tours are free but registration will be needed – check www.spring-fling.co.uk for details.
Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December
READ MORE
From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.
READ MORE
Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.
READ MORE
A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.
READ MORE
SCOTTISH rugby fans have been called upon to cast their vote for the greatest ever Murrayfield rugby moment as part of celebrations marking the national stadium’s centenary.
READ MORE
Scotland's biggest Christmas drive-in returns: 11 days of Elf, Home Alone & more at Loch Lomond Shores!
READ MORE
First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.
READ MORE
Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.
READ MORE
Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.
READ MORE
Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.
READ MORE
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.
READ MORE
Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.
READ MORE
Spooky season descended on Paisley at the weekend as thousands of visitors turned out for the annual Halloween Festival!
READ MORE
Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.
READ MORE
Celebrated traditional music and Gaelic arts charity, Fèis Phàislig, has announced details of a major anniversary concert to mark ten years of providing cultural opportunities for young people.
READ MORE
Paisley Halloween Festival is back at its spooky best as thousands of visitors attended the first night of the festival.
READ MORE
The winners of the latest Beat the Street challenge in Renfrewshire have now been announced!
READ MORE
Judges in the Scotland Loves Local Awards awarded the title after being impressed by the critical point reached in the town's 'resurgence' amid unprecedented investment in its future.
READ MORE
The public are urged to take part in the Scottish Government's consultation on planning laws, warning that the changes could put the country's live music venues and pubs at risk.
READ MORE
Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, is delighted to announce the arrival of Snowflake Gelato.
READ MORE
Free and low-cost screenings showcase Horror, Heritage, and Homegrown Talent selected by local curators and young people.
READ MORE
Families are in for a spook-tacular surprise this Halloween, as Aldi is transforming part of its Renfrew store into a pop-up Pumpkin Patch on Saturday 25th October.
READ MORE
Paisley Halloween Festival will return this weekend with a packed programme to fright and delight visitors!
READ MORE
The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.
READ MORE
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.
READ MORE
Scotland's scariest convention is heading to Renfrewshire for a two-day Halloween spectacular!
READ MORE
Renfrewshire's Provost, Lorraine Cameron is once again inviting children of primary school age to design a Christmas card for 2025.
READ MORE
Grab some Buddie Good Deals in Paisley town centre from Saturday 11th October until Saturday 25th October.
READ MORE
There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!
READ MORE
Scotland's largest wedding showcase, The Scottish Wedding Show, returns to Glasgow this weekend, ready to welcome thousands of couples from across the country looking to plan their dream day!
READ MORE