Spring Fling 2009 Launch

Here is Mike Russell MSP, Minister for Culture opening the 2009 Spring Fling Taster exhibition at Gracefield Arts Centre last friday. He announced his intention to visit studios over the weekend saying "The map in the programme confirms the reality of Spring Fling. It is a remarkably rich programme which gives access to some of the best artists and craftspeople in Scotland in their own studios – and, of course, to their diverse but very exciting work. Dumfries and Galloway has a wonderfully wide offering in terms of the arts and the open weekend makes it all easily available. Don't miss the chance to take part in this ever-growing annual event."

As a committee we were very proud that Mike Russel was willing and able to launch this year's Spring Fling and we hope that all participants and supporters are too. Do call into Gracefield to see the show if you can, or to the Stranraer Museum when it moves to that venue in April. More details on that to come.

In the image above some of your committee resplendent in the colours of their respective Spring Fling routes. From the left Maggie Savage, Natalie Vardey (Studio 55, Red Route), Kay Ribbens (Studio 59, Yellow Route), Bella Green (Studio 2, Orange Route), Kate Anderson (Studio 57, Red Route), Hazel Campbell (Studio 49, Red Route) and Andy Priestman.
What's that I hear you cry? I missed out some of the committee members' studio numbers? Actually a number of the committee are members of the Spring Fling Open Studios Association but this year are not involved in opening their own studios over the Spring Fling weekend. They are still however dedicated to Spring Fling and in keeping the Spring Fling Scotland's premier annual art and craft open studios event and for this we are all very grateful.