There’s something really special about seeing Studio 102 taking shape on the Red Route. Not just another studio space, but somewhere that’s been built slowly and carefully by hand somewhere conversations, making and community will naturally happen.
Sonah is one of this year’s @upland_cic Emerge recipients, and it feels completely in keeping with @sonah_chaudhry_jewellery practice that the studio has come together in this way too: thoughtful, resourceful and deeply connected to people and place. Turning a shipping container into a creative space feels especially important at a time when affordable spaces for artists are becoming harder to find and hold onto.
Through Emerge, artists receive mentoring, financial support and a place within Spring Fling Open Studios creating a really meaningful bridge between developing a practice and opening that work up to the public. It’s support that invests in artists for the long term, helping people build sustainable creative lives here in Dumfries & Galloway.
And that’s what Spring Fling Open Studios is really about at its heart, people opening doors and inviting others into the reality of creative life. Not just finished pieces, but the tools, conversations, experiments and ideas behind them too.
There’s something very hopeful about Studio 102 and it feels like exactly the kind of place people will naturally gather around. We really can’t wait for people to experience it. Come say Hi 👋 to Sonah on the Red Red Route this May!
@sonah_chaudhry_jewellery@upland_cic
#springflingopenstudios #dumfriesandgalloway #visitsouthwestscotland
Another beautiful weekend of wild sauna at @themoffatdistillery 🔥🥃
When you join us for a sauna session at the distillery in Moffat, you're now helping to contribute to nature restoration efforts on the land, so thank you!
We’re grateful to be able to bring the sauna here and share this wild space with you all, your visit now helps keep it thriving! 🌿💦
We'll be back at Moffat Distillery on the 23-24th May, to celebrate the @springfling festival! 🎨
Bookings are now live on our website 👇🏼🔥
/book
🔵 BLUE ROUTE
✨ Big skies. Ancient stones. Coastal air.
The Blue Route is waiting for you 💙
This year, we asked our artists to share the feeling of their route the walks, hidden places and landscapes that inspire them every day.
“Fantastic walking all around the Machars peninsula, just minutes away from my studio.” Kevan McGinty
Explore the beauty of Glenwhan Gardens, discover the magical Torhouse Stone Circle, wander through Wigtown’s bookshops and cafés, and meet artists whose work is deeply connected to this landscape.
You might even spot the free-range peacocks at Studio 14!
This is a route for slow journeys, fresh air, creativity and discovery.
📸 Image credits: @hoopoe.prints@sarahlouiseartistscotland@kayribbenshats@kevanmcginty
💙 Plan your Blue Route adventure
#SpringFling2026 #BlueRoute #OpenStudios #DumfriesAndGalloway
CREATE is part of this year’s programme and provides practical support for artists working in installation, experimental and site-specific practice. Focused on making and experimentation, it offers a chance to encounter work as it develops.
This year, CREATE features boatbuilder and artist Gail McGarva. Set within Galloway House Gardens, From Tree to Sea is a site-responsive installation created for Spring Fling. Watched over by ancient oak trees, visitors are invited to follow a winding boat trail through the gardens towards the sea, where glimpses of vessels appear between the trees.
Plan your visit through the link in our bio.
@thestoryboatproject@gallowayhouseestate
#SF2026 #OpenStudios #DumfriesAndGalloway
Spring Fling starts soon, running from 23 to 25 May and we're excited for our biggest year to date! Visitors can explore 111 studios on six routes across Dumfries & Galloway.
Catch a glimpse into the working lives of artists and makers across the region as they throw open their studio doors. It's a chance to see how work is made, have conversations, and experience the depth and diversity of practice here.
Alongside Open Studios, this year’s programme expands further, with exhibitions, participatory projects and live work unfolding across multiple locations.
You can plan a full weekend or take it slowly. Follow a route, discover new places, and spend time with the people behind the work.
Start planning your visit through the link in our bio.
#SF2026 #OpenStudios #DumfriesAndGalloway #VisitSouthWestScotland
Say hello to Sally in Studio 67 👋
We are getting ready for our Big Spring Weekend here at Glenlair Steading which starts at 6pm on Friday 22nd May.
It’s going to be a fun few days of local art by @sallyjennings_art and @jupitersgracebyjesse , food by @earthscrustbakery and cocktails by Demijohn.
We will be a great lunchtime pit stop and the weather is forecast to be hot, hot, hot! 😎🥂🙌
Sally Jennings is an accomplished painter who will be exhibiting her art work in Spring Fling Open Studio 67 along with others during Demijohn’s Big Spring Weekend at Glenlair Steading over the May Bank Holiday Weekend.
Our event in Glenlair Steading starts with a free early viewing of all Studios between 6pm and 8pm on Friday 22nd May.
Sign up now via our bio link for a free Demijohn Cocktail during the Friday viewing 🥂
We are open at Glenlair Steading from 10am to 5.00pm daily for you to visit all the Open Studios including Sally Jennings in Studio 67 and jeweller Jesse Ball in Studio 66.
Glenlair Steading is on the @springfling Pink Route with lots of other fabulous Open Studios in Kirkpatrick Durham, ranging from pottery by @wemakepots in Studio 69, to print maker @pamelagraceprintmaker blacksmith @blacksmith_booth photographer @allanwrightphoto and the Flock Exhibit at @barwhillanty . There are even more Open Studios up the road in Corsock.
So, this will be a superb weekend of local artistic talent with some delicious food and drinks 👏
Get excited and keep smiling,
Angus 😊
#sf26 #springfling2026 #demijohn #glenlairsteading
Spring Fling is for everyone!
Many studios are family friendly, offering relaxed spaces where children are welcome. It is about curiosity and spending time together.
Many studios also welcome dogs. Some are rural with outdoor space, others are in towns, so it is always worth checking ahead.
Plan your visit through the link in our bio.
Add your journey to our travel map it helps us understand where visitors are coming from and build a picture of Spring Fling as it grows - you can find the link to the Jotform in our bio 🔗
#SF2026 #OpenStudios #DumfriesAndGalloway #VisitSouthWestScotland
🟣 PURPLE ROUTE
✨ Two studios. One journey. Endless inspiration.
Welcome to the Purple Route 💜
This year, our artists helped us capture the spirit of their route and the Purple Route is all about creativity, stories and shared experiences.
“Double the art, double the inspiration. Visit two studios, discover two journeys.” Liz Dagg
Follow riverside walks, uncover hidden history and step inside studios where ideas become extraordinary artworks.
“Bring a picnic and relax in the studio garden and orchard that surrounds my studio.” —Kate Anderson
From sculpture and storytelling to landscapes and local history, the Purple Route is filled with discoveries.
📸 Image credits: Johanna Domke-Guyot, Liz Dagg, Kate Anderson
💜 Explore the Purple Route.
#SF2026 #OpenStudios #CreativeScotland
Former nurse Cathy Van Hoppe crossed the world from Australia and now lives in Eskdalemuir. There she creates wonderfully detailed art fairytale scenes - she describes them as portals to other worlds. Cathy's is one of 111 studios across Dumfries and Galloway taking part in Spring Fling from 23-25 May. See
Our inaugural Supper Club launches this month, and we’re starting as we mean to go on 🍕🍽️✨
Mr Pook will be firing up the wood-fired pizza oven in the Pavilion on 23rd May, 5-7pm, right alongside the stunning FLOCK @springfling exhibition. Book your pizza, wander the exhibition, and make a proper evening of it here in the hills.
Spaces are limited and going fast. Book via the link in our bio. Don’t say we didn’t warn you!
🟠 ORANGE ROUTE
✨ Kilns opening. Coastal walks. Studios by the sea.
The Orange Route is full of warmth 🧡
This year, our artists shared the places and moments that make their route unique and the Orange Route invites you to slow down and enjoy the journey.
“Beautiful walks along the beach to Kippford.” Amanda Simmons
Visit working studios, explore beautiful gardens, and see creativity happening in real time.
“At Studio 78 visitors can view finished pieces in the gallery, visit the production studio, where there will be a kiln opening each day, and relax in the studio gardens…” Gaynor Ranshaw
Walk along Carse Bay, discover local studios and enjoy a day filled with art, sea air and conversation.
📸 Image credits: Ailsa Black, Louisa Birdsall, Gaynor Ranshaw
🧡 Discover the Orange Route
#SF2026 #OpenStudios #DumfriesAndGalloway
🌸 PINK ROUTE
✨ Forest trails. Dark skies. Hidden places.
Welcome to the Pink Route 🌸
This year, Spring Fling artists have been sharing the places that make their route feel special and the Pink Route is full of quiet beauty and adventure.
“The Pink Route stretches from near the Solway Coast… circling Loch Ken and skirting Galloway Forest and the Dark Skies Park.” Jo Gallant
Along the way you’ll discover woodland walks, peaceful lochs and incredible wildlife.
“A fabulous wee community woodland with great views and places to sit. A place to refresh before hitting the road again.” Amanda Simmons
From coast to forest, this is a route to explore slowly stopping for art, fresh air and moments of calm.
📸 Image credits: @jogallantstudiotextiles@amandasimmonsglass@fitchandmcandrew
🌸 Come and experience the Pink Route.
#SF2026 #OpenStudios #CreativeJourneys #DumfriesAndGalloway
