Spring Fling showcases talent

More than 80 studios, offering everything from textiles and ceramics through to jewellery, painting, glassware and photography, opened their creative studios for Spring Fling during the spring bank holiday weekend.

- SHARON LIPTROTT

The region was divided into six colour-coded routes that visitors used to guide them around the open studios to see the variety of talented artists, makers and craftspeople the region has making their living here.

Natasha Kinsella, events and exhibitions development manager for Upland CIC - which runs Spring Fling-said: "It was a very busy Spring Fling weekend full of energy and conversation, warmth and genuine exchange.

"The studios have been buzzing. We loved hearing visitors share their stories and seeing the way they connect with the artists and their processes.

"There is something really special about hearing how something is made straight from the maker and watch that spark something in someone else."

The annual open studios weekend featured a multitude of artists and makers including potters, painters, textile artists and even blacksmiths.

Among the highlights were the chance to try on costumes by the celebrated designer and performer Alex Rigg and the huge metal dragon made by Nate Robinson.