JANET IBBOTSON

5 Main Street, Auchencairn, Nr Castle Douglas, DG7 1QU

T: 01556 640552 E: info@janetibbotson.co.uk

W: www.janetibbotson.co.uk

I design and make beautiful garments which can also be made to measure. I cut my own patterns, and do all my own sewing. I also paint watercolours some of which I turn into embroideries for the sheer cashmere scarves that I also make.

What to expect: The delightfully cluttered studio is filled with fabrics, patterns, scissors, (many) colours and textures... and light.

Lucy Lee

The Old Mill, Port Road, Palnackie, DG7 1PQ

T: 07926 454 829 E: lucyleemail@gmail.com

W: www.theoldmillpalnackie.com lucyleeartist

I am a mixed media artist based in the port village of Palnackie. I make most of my own art materials from plants I've grown, foraged or other materials such as stones and shells. I also repurpose old bits and pieces to create my work.

What to expect: Visitors to my studio will see finished work, workin-progress and my sketchbooks. I will also be demonstrating making various art materials from mulling paint to making paper, with the possibility for visitors to have a go – something all ages can get involved in.

15% discount for Friends of Spring Fling.

Recommendation: what3words: ///rejoiced.raft.crafted what3words: ///over.hours.equity

Earths Crust bakery in Castle Douglas.

Directions: Situated at the bottom of the hill in Auchencairn, the studio is at the end of my garden which is full of flowers, scented, and overlooks the Hass Burn.

Accessibility: A sloping driveway leads to a path through the small garden. There are four steps up into the studio. Only on-street parking.

Recommendation: The Flounders Cafe in the village serves a delicious lunch and can be found on Glen Road.

Directions: Palnackie is on the left on the A711 coming from Dalbeattie and on the right coming from Auchencairn. The Old Mill is signposted from the centre of the village.

Accessibility: My studio can be accessed by a rough track to the side of the building. This reduces the amount of steps.

Julian Francis

Woodend, Gelston, Castle Douglas, DG7 1SH

T: 01556 504150 E: julian@ofrancis1.plus.com

Suzanne Stuart Davies

Woodend, Gelston, Castle Douglas, DG7 1SH

T: 07532 230 065 E: suzanne@muiryhillarts.co.uk

W: www.suzannestuartdavies.co.uk what3words: ///tributes.scout.geek what3words: ///tributes.scout.geek

I make thrown and hand built high fired earthenware ceramic forms, both functional and sculptural, often as a response to specific collaborative projects.

What to expect: A ceramics and mixed media workshop with finished pieces and work-in-progress as well as examples and explanations of the techniques involved in the making of my work.

One of the lovely rivers flowing into the Solway Firth is the Esk. I plan new work on the theme of artists’ pathways, walking its banks. Evidence, arising out of previous series on the Solway, will be on display.

What to expect: Journey books to browse; working materials; paintings on display alongside ceramics by Julian Francis; cushions and card packs. A sale corner of previous work too, all in lovely Gelston Village Hall.

10% discount for Friends of Spring Fling.

Recommendation: Threave Gardens, walks through the Threave estate.

Directions: From Castle Douglas take the B736 and then the right turn at the junction with the B727 to Gelston, look out for the Village Hall and the Spring Fling signs.

Accessibility: Fully accessible.

Recommendation: Wildlfowl & Wetland Trust, Caerlaverock, coffee and snacks are available.

10% discount for Friends of Spring Fling.

Directions: From Castle Douglas take the B736 and then the right turn at the junction with the B727 to Gelston and look out for the Village Hall and Spring Fling Signs.

Accessibility: Fully accessible.

Kim Ayres

Meikle Knox House, Castle Douglas, DG7 1NS

T: 07971 969 953 E: kim@kimayres.co.uk

W: kimayres.co.uk kimayresphotography

44 Maggie Ayres

Meikle Knox House, Castle Douglas, DG7 1NS

T: 07815 528 827 E: maggie@maggieayres.co.uk

W: maggieayres.co.uk maggieayresart

I'm a creative, professional, portrait and narrative photographer, creating powerful images for individuals and businesses. Sometimes theatrical, sometimes cinematic, sometimes just observational, I use light, line and form to convey a sense of story – of something more going on than is immediately seen.

What to expect: How to make your face more camera friendly! Live demonstrations on the hour every hour while open across the weekend. Plus exclusive special offers for visitors only. Also see examples of my work, ask questions, start discussions and let your imagination run wild.

£300 -

Recommendation: what3words: ///communal.cheerily.flippers

In House Chocolates in Castle Douglas does the best hot chocolate in the region, and has a wide range of coffees too.

10% discount for Friends of Spring Fling.

Directions: Leave Castle Douglas on the A745 to Dalbeattie, turn left after 1.2miles. Take Ist right up the hill. Meikle Knox is on the right near the top of the hill.

Accessibility: One small step into the venue. Plenty of parking available, including up to 5 spaces immediately in front of the venue.

I am a mixed media artist mainly painting with oils and watercolours. I am also experimenting with the making of earth pigments from locally foraged soil and rock as I set out to explore the relationship of being held in a layered land and ancestry.

What to expect: As well as finished work, I will be showing examples of work-in-progress, sketchbooks and experiments. There will be tools and materials, illustrating the making process of turning rock into paint.

£15 - £3,000 what3words: ///communal.cheerily.flippers

Recommendation: Earth's Crust Bakery in Castle Douglas is an artisan bakery with all manner of baked treats.

10% discount for Friends on original paintings.

Directions: Leave Castle Douglas on the A745 to Dalbeattie, turn left after 1.2miles. Take Ist right up the hill. Meikle Knox is on the right near the top of the hill.

Accessibility: One small step into the venue. Plenty of parking available, including up to 5 spaces immediately in front of the venue.