DUMFRIES.- The creator of astounding and evocative costumes worn by international dancers, performers and circus artists is opening his collection for the public to explore – and try on.

Alex Rigg, whose own group Oceanallover stages spectacular performances all over the country, is welcoming visitors to his workshop in the hills above Moniaive, near Thornhill, as part of this year’s Spring Fling open studios weekend from 24-26 May.

Visitors can browse his collection of over 200 costumes, try them on, and will be helped to capture the moment on camera. There is also an abundance of accessories from shamanistic staffs to trombones and a vivid pink loudhailer.

Over the past three decades Alex has been commissioned to create costumes used in street carnivals, French circus acts, New York dance production, site-specific theatrical performances and much more.

Many are inspired by the natural world and by environmental issues while others have a sci fi or fantasy feel. Recent works have been based on reptiles shedding their skins.

Alex said: “Everything we create is individually designed, whether it’s for our own productions or for other performers so that it will help bring their concepts to life. All are hand-made and unique.

“People often ask if there’s a chance to try them on – and it’s a real pleasure to make that possible at last.

“This is the first time I’ve opened up the collection in this way and I hope visitors will have fun browsing through the costumes, transforming themselves by trying them on, and getting pictures they can keep and show friends.

“I’m also looking forward to talking people about the costumes and my work.”

Visitors will also be able to see the drawings and notes showing the influences, origins and development of Alex’s costumes. These range from historical and cultural icons to architectural and natural forms.

Natasha Kinsella, Events and Exhibitions Development Manager for Upland CIC which runs Spring Fling, said:“Alex’s is a celebrated designer, his work is incredibly skilled and beautiful - evocative of other worlds and wondrous possibilities. It’s going to be a real treat to see his collection and enter the alternative realities he creates by trying them on.

“More than 80 studios, offering everything from textiles and ceramics through to Jewellery, painting, glassware and photography, will be opening their doors for this year’s Spring Fling.

“It’s a great chance to enjoy the incredible creativity of Dumfries and Galloway and spend time enjoying one of the country’s most beautiful rural regions.”

Spring Fling is divided into six colour-coded routes that visitors can use to guide them round the studios.

Alex is on the Green Route along with tapestry weaver Gyllian Thomson, metalworker Nate Robinson, ceramicists Samuel Sparrow and Ruth Elizabeth Jones, jewellery designers Kaz Robertson and Alison Macleod, painter Anne Butler and the Cample Line gallery.