An artwork exploring the timeless stories of a river will take centre stage at Dorset’s biggest celebration of visual arts.
Titled Flow, the piece by artist Debbie Lee is Dorset Art Weeks’ 2026 headline commission and will be exhibited at Bere Marsh Farm’s Threshing Barn in Shillingstone from May 23 to June 7.
The work is inspired by tales and memories gathered along the River Stour and was created in partnership with the Countryside Regeneration Trust, with support from Hall & Woodhouse.
Artist Debbie Lee’s new work ‘Flow’ features stories she has gathered along the River Stour, and forms the centrepiece of the county’s largest celebration of visual arts – Dorset Art Weeks. (Image: Dorset Art Weeks)
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Paul Newman, director of Dorset Visual Arts, said: “Through Dorset Art Weeks we offer local people and visitors 16 days to explore an extraordinary variety of art, from traditional to contemporary, showcased by Dorset’s talented artists, makers and designers.
“This headline commission is the centrepiece of the event, and as well as offering visitors an opportunity to slow down and connect with the River Stour, we’re supporting the artist, Debbie Lee, with the opportunity to develop her practice.”
Ms Lee said: “The Stour is a hidden gem, and the Stour Valley Way makes many of its secrets accessible.
“I visited many mills, churches and weirs along its flow and was struck by the abundance of bird life and nature as it winds its way through towns and villages.”
The immersive exhibition will feature an oil painting, large-scale narrative drawing, an animated drawing and a two-metre display of river studies and hand-painted maps.
Visitors will also find poetry inspired by the river, with a dedicated corner inviting them to contribute their own writing or illustrations.