Upland’s fourth annual visual art and craft fair will feature 40 stands – giving shoppers the chance to buy beautiful handmade gifts direct from superb exhibitors.
Upland made once again takes place at Easterbrook Hall, The Crichton, Dumfries and is on the weekend of 2 and 3 November.
The event is now firmly established as a great opportunity to find hand-made and individually created pieces from some of the finest artists and makers in Dumfries and Galloway.
This year visitors will be able to choose from:
- Painting and original prints
- Pottery
- Jewellery
- Works in wood – from spoons to mobiles
- Textiles – including wearables and decorative pieces
- and hand-crafted chef knives.
There will also be greetings cards, festive decorations and much more, with prices to suit every pocket.
Once again Langholm-based OutPost Arts will present workshops where the public can get creative. These are led by experienced artists and makers, and will focus on the wellbeing benefits of creative activity. This activity is supported by the DG Creative Wellbeing project.
Chris Bridgman, Upland Events & Exhibitions Co-ordinator, said: “What makes Upland made so special is the chance to buy bespoke and handmade work that isn’t available in most shops.
“It’s grown into a popular event for people who love art and craft, as well as Christmas shoppers and anyone in search of something special.
“It’s a celebration of the handmade and of our region’s creative community, giving everyone who comes along the chance to see a diversity of work by Upland members.
“We’d love you to come along to Upland made at the start of November, and enjoy a great day out that supports local independent creative businesses.
“It’s also a chance to shop local and pick up some wonderful festive gifts.”
All the exhibitors are members of Upland and many are regular participants in the region’s Spring Fling open studios weekend.
Among them are painters and printmakers such as Ailsa Black and Colin Blanchard, potters including Clare Dawdry and Fitch & McAndrew, textile artists like Morag Macpherson, and Jay Rubinstein with his spectacular wooden mobiles.
Five makers are new to Upland made this year, including ceramicist Frances Ross, jewellery-maker Gabrielle Reynolds, and Sue MacNiven, who creates textiles, but also hand-painted tiles, buttons and greetings cards.
This year Upland made is funded by Creative Scotland and delivered in collaboration with Easterbrook Hall and OutPost Arts.
Easterbrook Hall will be running a pop-up café with warming food, tea, coffee and cakes.
Save the date
- What: Upland made
- Where: Main Hall, Easterbrook Hall, The Crichton, Bankend Road, Dumfries, DG1 4TA
- When: Saturday 2 November 12pm-5pm, Sunday 3 November 10am to 4pm
- Tickets: £1 and free for under 12s.
See the Upland website at www.weareupland.com.
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Notes for editors
About Upland
Upland CIC (Community Interest Company) supports artists and makers based in, and with connections to, the region. It will delivers, events, training, networking, support and opportunities as part of a year-round programme to benefit the region, its artists, communities and economy. Upland CIC runs the annual Spring Fling contemporary visual art and craft open studios weekend in Dumfries and Galloway. It will work closely with other arts bodies in the region to further-strengthen the sector. Upland is based at Gracefield Arts Centre in Dumfries and exists to:
- produce and deliver festivals, events, and experimental projects of the highest quality
- nurture an environment where artistic excellence thrives and grows
- inspire and educate a wide range of audiences, customers and clients to understand, celebrate, be actively engaged in and supportive of visual art and craft practice
- raise the profile of visual artists and makers locally, nationally and internationally fulfilling a crucial role in the culture and tourism of Dumfries and Galloway
- build strategic partnerships at regional, national and international level
- maintain a financially sound and adaptively resilient organisation
- use, and encourage the use of, innovative and emerging digital technology
- work to the benefit the local economy and the sustainability of local communities.
Its funders are Creative Scotland, D&G Council, The Holywood Trust, The William Grant Foundation, The Heritage Lottery Fund, ASWT, Barfill.
About Creative Scotland
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland on behalf of everyone who lives, works or visits here. It enables people and organisations to work in and experience the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland by helping others to develop great ideas and bring them to life. Creative Scotland distributes funding provided by the Scottish Government and the National Lottery. For further information about Creative Scotland please visit www.creativescotland.com. Follow us @creativescots and www.facebook.com/CreativeScotland.
About DG Creative Wellbeing
A ground-breaking, innovative programme of impactful arts activities, initiatives, events, and interventions across D&G, working in both community AND healthcare settings, with support from an alliance of funders. OPA coordinates the Art-in-Healthcare programme in partnership with NHS D&G.
For media information contact Matthew Shelley on 07786 704299 or at [email protected] or call Upland on 01387 213 218.