25 MAY - 9 JUNE 2024
Discover Dorset’s creative community, featuring contemporary work from over 500 artists and makers exhibiting in 266 venues in open studios, group shows, galleries and events across the county. Here are some of the great places you can visit during the two week visual arts event. Discover more at www.dorsetartweeks.co.uk
1. The Sherborne
Dorset's new arts destination! This listed Georgian building in Sherborne town centre has been lovingly restored and will be open to the public. See Housework curated by Amanda Wallwork, in association with Evolver Magazine (venue 1). www.thesherborne.uk.
2. Bridport by Foot
The town’s dynamic creative community embrace a broad palette of media and approaches. Leave the car and explore several art venues by foot, including creative hub, St Michael’s Studios (venues 61-84).
3. Special Events
Visit our website to see a host of special events taking place during Dorset Art Weeks. Renowned international furniture maker John Makepeace along with his wife Jenny Makepeace, a talented horticulturalist, invite you to visit their inspirational historic house and gardens in Beaminster. In aid of Dorset Visual Arts Charity. dorsetartweeks.co.uk/events.
4. Dorchester
Dorchester has a vibrant community of artists’ studios, in town houses and down narrow streets, such as the Atkins Family (144) exhibiting paintings, ceramics and printmaking. Catch the group show at Jubilee Hall in Poundbury (136).
5. Portland Art Trail
A trip to the Isle of Portland is well worth it for Art Weeks explorers. With 10 venues and 26 artists and makers in this area, pick up a postcard in any of these venues and enter their art voucher giveaway!
6. Durlston Country Park
The Instinct of Hope (173) features work by artists responding to a distinctive aspect, or elements, of Dorset’s unique landscape. Plus painter Heather Gibbons and printmaker Robin Mackenzie (174) explore their shared love and fascination with the coastal landscapes of Dorset.
7. Poole & Bournemouth
As well as solo studios in and around Poole and Bournemouth there are some great group shows including Poole & East Dorset Art Society’s 100th anniversary ‘Celebrate!’ exhibition (191), and Poole Printmakers (193), a long-established co-operative of local printmakers. In the middle of Bournemouth is South Coast Makers (195), an independent store and gallery showcasing local creatives.
8. Christchurch
Visit Red House Museum & Gardens (196) which is hosting its annual Arts Open to coincide with DAW. This is an opportunity to see many selected works under one (very old) roof. As with other areas on the trail, it allows visitors to appreciate art alongside heritage and scenery.
9. Hall & Woodhouse
The Brewery Tap (223) will be showing work from this years commission opportunity awarded to two local artists by Dorset Visual Arts and event sponsor Hall & Woodhouse.
10. Dower House
Nestled in the chalk downs you’ll find Dower House Studios (230), set in beautiful
grounds it showcases an exciting and varied exhibition by six artists.
