Dorset Art Weeks

h2o

22nd May - 13th June 2010

A pioneer of open studio events in the South West, Dorset Art Weeks started in 1992 and has grown in size and success with each biennial event. Dorset Art Weeks encompasses a 16-day biennial Open Studios event that is intended to bring the public face to face with the artists and makers whilst exploring the delights of one of the country’s most beautiful counties.

h2o is Walford Mill Crafts' contribution to Dorset Art Weeks 2010. Exhibition curator Christine Lawry has invited a selection of Dorset makers to contribute work that has been inspired by the theme of water. The county has strong connections to water - most notably through England’s first natural World Heritage Site, The Jurassic Coast – and this connection can be seen in the work of many makers who live and work here, whether through their figurative use of water or, in some cases, the use of actual running water.

As part of its commitments to forging links between Dorset makers and the wider community, Walford Mill Crafts will be offering visitors the gallery the opportunity to meet and talk to a number of the makers exhibiting in h2o. The exhibition opens on Saturday 22nd May and artist Frances Hatch will be on-hand to talk about her paintings. Then, on selected dates between Saturday 29th May and Sunday 13th June, visitors will able to meet talented Dorset makers such as Peter Rush, Tracy Oldfield, Jesa Marshall, Kate Dowty, Jenni Cadman and Caroline Sharp. Also present will be our onsite makers, jeweller Kathryn Arbon and weaver Debby Kirby.

h2o and Dorset Art Weeks are excellent opportunities to find out more about visual arts in your community. The county has been divided into different geographical areas, with maps provided in the Dorset Art Weeks brochure, allowing you to explore the surrounding landscape and culture. For more information, please visit www.dorsetartweeks.co.uk.

h2o is at Walford Mill Crafts from Saturday 22nd May until Sunday 13th June 2010.

For more information about our Artistic Policy please click here.