Purbeck is home to many artists and craftspeople who regularly show their work at local exhibitions.
There’s a wide range of venues in Swanage and Purbeck where you can visit solo displays and group shows throughout the year – at dedicated arts venues, independent galleries, community & church halls and at open studio events and festivals.
You’ll find a range of free art exhibitions where you can browse and buy works for sale, with certain venues such as Durlston’s Fine Foundation Gallery, The Mowlem Theatre and Sandy Hill Arts in Corfe showcasing a rotating programme of both established and up-and-coming creators, along with associated art workshops.
🗓️ Friday 13th September – Tuesday 15th October 2024 The latest art exhibition at The Mowlem is by Dorset artist Zara Saganic. ‘Pause’ is a collection of drawings that reflect ideas of time, control and the pursuit of perfection through detailed mark-making and repetition. Opening times Find examples of Zara’s work via her Instagram page: […]
🗓️ Tuesday 27th August – Thursday 5th September 2024 Explore a collection of drawings, watercolour and mezzotints of British owls by artist Katy Harrald. Dorset-based Katy studied at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) and works predominantly in pencil. Find out more about Katy and view examples of her work on her website: https://katyharrald.com
🗓️ Monday 26th August – Tuesday 10th September 2024 Come and explore this group show by Corfe’s Boilerhouse Gallery, which explores Purbeck’s pathways and walking tracks. Inspired by the waymarks and the landscape that guide us as we walk, the exhibition includes paintings, maps, textile art, ceramics, jewellery and more. Artists and makers include Jane […]
🗓️ Saturday 17th – Monday 26th August 2024 Come and browse the latest works of art by the Isle of Purbeck Arts Club at its summer exhibition. There’ll be a selection of paintings, poetry and cards to buy. And if you come along on the morning of Saturday 17th August between 10.30am – 12pm you […]
🗓️ Wednesday 14th – Friday 23rd August 2024 Explore a selection of works by Dorset-based photographer Trevor Parsons, who explores the positive impact the observation of nature can have. The exhibition also tells Trevor’s own story and how photography has helped him personally.
🗓️ Friday 9th – Friday 23rd August 2024 Enjoy a colourful snapshot of motherhood and domestic life through the eyes of Swanage-based artist Sharon James. There is an open, family-friendly invite to a special viewing of the exhibition on Saturday 10th August between 2pm – 4pm, with drinks and nibbles. Find out more about Sharon […]
🗓️ Sunday 4th – Sunday 11th August 2024 Pop up to Durlston Castle’s Belvedere to view a display of prints by local artist Robin Mackenzie. His linocut prints and wood engravings depict various places along the coast of Dorset and the wider British coastline. Check Robin’s artwork and upcoming workshops online: https://www.robinmackenzie.co.uk
🗓️ Saturday 27th July – Sunday 4th August 2024 Swanage Painting Club’s annual Summer Art Exhibition will be on every day this week at St Edward’s Catholic Church hall. There’ll be paintings for sale by local artists, along with prints and cards. And on both Saturday mornings, coffees, teas and cake will be available. Join […]
🗓️ Wednesday 24th July – Tuesday 6th August 2024 Durlston’s Fine Foundation Gallery is hosting an installation by artist Sally Baldwin. Fragile Earth is a visual exploration of the habitats and ecosystems threatened by climate change – from sea life and insects to plant life and flowers. The collection began life as a response to […]
🗓️ Friday 14th June – Sunday 4th August 2024 Discover the fascinating world beneath Swanage Pier in this photographic exhibition by underwater photographers Paul and Alison Pettit.
🗓️ Friday 14th June – Sunday 1st September 2024 Come and browse Purbeck New Wave Gallery’s summer exhibition, Jurassic Abstracts, featuring seven Dorset artists. Works are inspired by the local landscape, coastline and weather. Artists include: For more events at the gallery, keep an eye on its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/purbecknewwaveswanage/
🗓️ Wednesday 5th June 2024 The Mowlem is hosting a special evening to open its latest visual arts exhibition, Abundance. There’ll be an open exhibition reception, followed by an arty pub quiz in The Mowlem’s community room. Quiz teams of up to four people – prizes to be won. Timings
🗓️ Thursday 30th May – Saturday 1st June 2024 Come and see what the Art Dabblers group have been creating at this three-day exhibition at Emmanuel Baptist Church. It’s open to everyone, with refreshments available and free parking on-site.
🗓️ Saturday 25th May – Sunday 9th June 2024 Visit Durlston’s Learning Centre & Studio for a free exhibition by two local artists. Heather Gibbons and Robin Mackenzie’s joint On The Wild Side exhibition explores their mutual love of the coastal landscape. Works, which will be for sale, include oil paintings, wood engraving and lino […]
🗓️ Friday 24th May to Tuesday 16th July 2024 Come and view a group show by over 20 local artists, invited to exhibit here by The Mowlem. The Purbeck-based artists have each submitted one piece of work, with the stipulation that it is no bigger than 40 x 40 cm. The exhibition’s title, Abundance, reflects […]
🗓️ Tuesday 23rd April – Tuesday 7th May 2024 AUB Fine Art Masters graduate collective, twenty3 art, is holding an exhibition at Durlston’s Fine Foundation Gallery this spring. Convergence explores the human experience and includes work by the following artists: It’s free to enter and the artists’ work will be available to buy. All are […]
🗓️ Friday 5th April – Friday 17th May 2024 Come and view The Mowlem’s latest art exhibition from Dorset artist Clare Baskerville. Gathering In is an expression of Clare’s way of creating order and beauty from natural items collected and sculpted into reduced forms. Clare is a visiting tutor at AUB, where she studied Fine […]
🗓️ Monday 25th March – Thursday 23rd May 2024 Purbeck New Wave’s spring open exhibition will showcase a range of Dorset artists and makers – with the theme of ‘Anything Goes’. It’s a chance to support local artisans and find a new piece of art to refresh your home for spring or buy a unique, […]