Artists and craft makers are gearing up for an eight-day digital event to celebrate Spring Fling 2020 - sure to entice art enthusiasts from across Dumfries and Galloway and neighbouring regions.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced the postponement of Scotland’s leading open studios weekend which usually takes place in May.

But the event is now set to make a return from October 5-12 with a programme packed full of online events and activities.

It is also hoped that a range of studios will open their doors for three days to welcome visitors into studios for a physical viewing of exhibitions such as the Looking In window exhibition.

Spring Fling normally welcomes around 12,000 visitors from all over the UK and beyond.

In response to this, organisers hope that the strong virtual event will appeal to wider audiences.

If open events are not possible, organisers Upland Arts Development CIC have come up with a host of other ways to share and showcase the region’s creative excellence.

Visual artist Michael Batey and his ceramicist stepdaughter Sophie Jarzyna are busy making preparations at their base at Claygate where they hope to showcase their work in the Art Corner Gallery in Sophie’s home town of Langholm.

Michael said: “Sophie and I are both getting ready for Spring Fling.

“I took a break from participating last year so I could actually spend time going round and seeing other studios. It was brilliant.

“But this year I’m back with a vengeance, and am really looking forward to it, especially as I’ll be exhibiting alongside Sophie.”

Joanna Macaulay, Assistant Director for Upland Arts Development CIC, said “We are pleased to be able to hold Spring Fling this year albeit on a smaller scale.

“The rescheduled event will feature lots of new online activities and aims to recreate the ‘studio’ online with a bigger focus on how work is made and with videos by our artists.”

More details can be found at www.spring-fling.co.uk