Pop-ups, a sound installation, online events and studios and more – a successful first weekend for Spring Fling confirmed that the buzz is returning to Dumfries and Galloway’s visual art and crafts scene.
And there’s plenty more to enjoy as the event continues to 6 June.
Katie Anderson’s specially-commissioned sound and sculptural installation The Call was a highly intriguing addition to the Spring Fling Spring Fling Pop UP at Mill on the Fleet, in Gatehouse.
It features two performers with large, sculptural speakers and listening devices. They moved around the mill grounds playing an original contemporary composition created from recordings of people singing the chorus of Scots song Ca’ the Yowes.
The song, thought to have been from a poem by Ayrshire’s Isabel Pagan, has been popularised at different times by figures such as Robert Burns and Dougie MacLean.
Joanna Macaulay, Assistant Director for Upland which runs Spring Fling, said: “It was great to see people visiting the pop ups in Gatehouse and Dumfries – their enjoyment at meeting the artists and makers with work on show and how much they loved The Call.
“While Covid limits what we can do in terms of physical events, it really feels like the buzz is starting to return to Dumfries and Galloway’s amazing arts and craft scene. So we are really looking forward to the rest of the week and our second weekend.
“It’s been great how artists and makers have responded to the challenges of the times – and we’ve got fantastic online studios, plus events and workshops for people to enjoy.”
Some of the artists and makers are opening their studios independently of the event so visitors should check their websites to find out.
A live performance of The Call takes place at Ottersburn Gallery, Dumfries on Saturday, 5 June, 1pm. Visitors can also hear the installation in situ at Mill on the Fleet until 4 June between 10am to 5pm.
Work by 32 Spring Fling artists and makers is showcased at the two Spring Fling Pop-UPs which take place until 6 June at Ottersburn Gallery and Mill on the Fleet.
Visitors can also see a dystopian film installation entitled 17 Hertz which has been created by Rachel Shnapp, a filmmaker and artist selected for Upland CIC’s annual six-month Emerge scheme.
It is being shown at Gracefield Arts Centre in Dumfries until 19 June and tickets can be booked at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/Gracefield-Arts-Centre).
Throughout Spring Fling there will be online activities including digital workshops, talks and demonstrations supported by EventScotland.
Among these are online talks by Society of Scottish Artists President, Jamie McAteer with Spring Fling participants and SSA members Denise Zygadlo, Sarah Stewart and Heather Davies.
Please note that tickets for talks and workshops need to be booked in advance.
