The biggest ever Upland made weekend will offer the chance to buy beautiful hand-made art and craft as gifts, or to treat yourself.
A total of 44 artists and makers, from across Dumfries and Galloway, will be showing everything from jewellery, woodwork, ceramics and textiles to paintings, cards, original prints and stationery.
The event, which has been growing in popularity since it was founded in 2021 (as the Winter Craft Fair), is at Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries on 7 and 8 November and entry is just £1.
Most of what’s available cannot be found in High Street stores and is a chance to buy direct from some of the region’s dynamic creative community.
It ranges from the readily affordable to bespoke, specially commissioned pieces that will be cherished for a lifetime, and may even be passed on for generations.
Among the participants will be luthier Marion Bennardo, from near Kirkcudbright, who uses 500-year-old techniques to create beautiful violas and cellos using spruce soundboards that can only be found high in the alps.
Each instrument is unique, and individually decorated with particular attention paid to sound.
Marion said: “Being a luthier is a wonderful job in so many ways. I love wood carving, but I didn’t just
want to be a wood carver, I am a musician and I love engineering as well. Making musical
instruments is at the crossroads of these three things.”
Marion will have instruments on display showcasing different woods, but visitors will also be able to see the wooden spoons, turned wooden bowls and heirloom boxes that are the other part of the business – and which could make ideal Christmas gifts.
Among the others taking part are Hannah Thomson from Portpatrick (pictured), whose ceramics are inspired by the Scottish west coast landscape, Jo Gallant, who is much loved for her colourful cushions, leather worker Sariann Lehrer, jewellery designer Eleanor Symms, furniture maker Daniel Lacey.
Some are well-established artists or makers like the ceramicists Fitch and McAndrew, whose slipware pottery is collected all round the world, others are emerging such as and landscape and seascape painter Susie Niven.
Kat Hill, Upland creative director, said: “Upland made has become a really popular opportunity to buy beautiful, hand-made art and craft as gifts for loved ones, or for yourself.
“What makes it so special is that it’s a chance to meet and support members of the amazing creative community we have in Dumfries and Galloway.
“And there will be lots to see, with prices to suit everyone whether they are in search of affordable art or thinking about commissioning something really special – perhaps a one-off piece of furniture, a musical instrument or some designer jewellery.”
For those looking for affordable art there will be a trail highlighting items for £50 and under.
There will also be a series of workshops plus the chance to enter a raffle with the chance to win unique works donated by Upland Made participants.
Every ticket supports Upland’s work with artists and makers across Dumfries & Galloway. The raffle will be drawn on Sunday 8 November at 2 pm.
The event opening times are Saturday 12pm-5pm and Sunday 10am–4pm.
- See 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 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 works 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:
- provide leadership in the visual art and craft sector regionally, collaborating with the cultural sector across Dumfries and Galloway and beyond.
- raise the profile of the visual art and craft sector of our rural area in a national and international context and build meaningful partnerships to support this.
- listen to local visual artists and makers and respond by providing relevant support and act as a collective voice to advocate on their behalf.
- support the engagement of a wide diversity of audiences in visual art and craft and initiate opportunities that promote inclusive, meaningful participation.
- produce and facilitate ambitious creative projects that are innovative and experimental in approach.
Its funders are Creative Scotland, D&G Council, The Holywood Trust, ASWT, Barfill.
For media information contact Matthew Shelley on 07786 704299 or at Mjhshelley@hotmail.co.uk or call Upland on 01387 213 218.
