Tuesday, 30 June 2020 09:08

Inaugural Dorset Arts Festival this July

Inaugural Dorset Arts Festival this July

Whilst a number of large scale events across Dorset have been cancelled, Sculpture by the Lakes near Dorchester, the hosts and organisers of Dorset Arts Festival, are confident that a strict visitor cap and crowd control, paired with extensive social distancing set in a vast 26-acre outdoor venue, can guarantee visitor, exhibitor and staff safety.

More than 40 artists and crafters from across Dorset will be exhibiting over the three days, with a number of workshops and demonstrations taking place. Artists will be creating work on-site in individual temporary studios allowing visitors to watch from a safe distance, while others will be setting up their easels at spots across the picturesque location.

Guests can expect to watch paintings being created, pots being thrown, jewellery being made and a whole range of other arts and crafts disciplines.

Event organisers are internationally renowned sculptor Simon Gudgeon and his wife Monique, co-owners of Sculpture by the Lakes. This is a 26-acre gallery under the skies where more than 30 of Simon’s pieces are installed within spectacular gardens maintained by Monique and a team of gardeners. 

Simon, who has a long history of supporting and celebrating fellow artists, featuring their work in The Barn Gallery and The Gallery Cafe at Sculpture by the Lakes, said, “Dorset Arts Festival will be a true celebration of Dorset’s expansive artistic talent. All of the artists exhibiting are incredibly talented and you’ll be able to watch them in action creating their masterpieces, which is not something you get to see everyday. We hope the festival will bring some welcome relief to those looking for an uplifting experience away from the crowds.”

To find out more, visit: www.sculpturebythelakes.co.uk/dorset-arts-festival

WHEN – Friday July 3 - Sunday July 5, 10:00 - 17:00

WHERE – Sculpture by the Lakes, Pallington, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8QU