RUTH CLAYTON

Shambellie House, New Abbey, DG2 8HQ

T: 07742 543 371 E: hello@ruthclaytonartist.com

W: ruthclaytonartist.com ruthclayton.artist

Rachel Ashcroft

Killymingan Farm, Kirkgunzeon, Dumfries, DG2 8LE

T: 07934 117 046 E: rachel.ashcroft@gmail.com

W: www.womanofthewoods.org dgwomanofthewoods what3words: ///rises.picturing.sensitive what3words: ///billiard.courts.tickling

I am a watercolourist who loves to capture the energy of the sea. I work large and use special techniques to achieve different textures, including clingfilm, a toothbrush, a palette knife, and a spray bottle. I love to let the paint 'do its own thing'.

What to expect: It's all in the planning! I use my own planning process before painting. Watch me go through the whole process of colour mixing and composing. The colour I use most is blue, so visit me and immerse yourself in a cool blue but energetic experience.

Recommendation: New Abbey Corn Mill is an 18th century milll which does guided tours about milling oatmeal. Booking recommended.

Directions: Taking the A170 from Dumfries, Shambellie House is on your right shortly before New Abbey.

Accessibility: There is a short flight of stairs from the entrance which has a stair lift. There are accessible toilets.

As a Fine Art graduate re-trained to work with wood, my aesthetic approach to the material is sculptural. I see the shapes, colours and patterns in the grain – all of these natural qualities are brought to the surface through my skills, knowledge and creativity.

What to expect: A woman working with locally sourced hard woods and foraged drift wood. You will see the way that I work, utilising hand tools and machinery in my new workshop. How I transform raw materials into beautifully designed objects to own, use and treasure.

10% discount for Friends of Spring Fling.

Recommendation: Loch Arthur Farm Shop, Beeswing – Delicious food, cake and coffee. Part of a Camphill Community where I work part time.

Directions: Follow signs for Kirkgunzeon from A711. Pass the primary school on your left, take first left after leaving the village. You will come to the farm steading on your left.

Accessibility: Workshop, which is on ground level with big sliding doors. Slight step, with ramp for wheelchair access.

Andy Brooke

Kinnoull, 6 Roberts Crescent, Dumfries, DG2 7RS

T: 07766 704 196 E: andybrookeglass@gmail.com

W: andy-brooke.pixelrights.com andyljbrooke

I work mainly in stained glass and also enjoy making connections with printmaking and photography. I have made many windows to commission as well as printworks on paper and I like to tell stories in glass and respond to the world we all live in.

What to expect: In my studio you will see glass work-inprogress plus some prints and photos and lots of plans/designs/ sketchbooks. There will be tools and glass to handle and have a go for the intrepid! Maybe a wacky readymade sculpture or two as well...

Lauren Gray

Clay Works Studios, Solway House, The Crichton, Dumfries, DG1 4TA

T: 07903 937 741 E: graysceramics@gmail.com

W: www.graysceramics.com graysceramics

I make ceramics for interior spaces. Led by the process, I use porcelain to throw soft undulating forms, which become a canvas for decoration. The applied compositions of colour, lustre and floral patterns are inspired by wildflowers and landscapes in Dumfries & Galloway.

What to expect: During your visit to my studio you will initially be delighted by the beautiful setting within The Crichton. You'll be welcomed into the workshop with offerings of homemade goodies and the chance to see the tools, equipment and processes I use to make my pots.

Recommendation: what3words: ///melts.clauses.romantics what3words: ///blog.blotchy.chips

I recommend Friars Vennel in Dumfries – the best street for independent food shops and very good value Thai food in Pumpernickel.

Directions: My studio is at 6 Roberts Crescent, on the southern edge of town, just off Pleasance Avenue, opposite Troqueer School. Usually plenty of parking space on the road.

Accessibility: The studio is on the ground floor, accessed along a gravel drive. There are two low steps into the studio. Ground floor toilet.

Recommendation: The Boathouse, Glencaple – beautiful setting, delicious lunch.

Directions: From the The Holiday Inn (The Crichton), follow signs for 'SOLWAY' until you see the Clay Works Studio signs.

Accessibility: The studio is all on one level and easy to access. There is plenty of parking right to the studio door.