AN ENCLAVE of Dorset artists are putting their work on display over the next month.

During Abbotsbury Art Weeks, which starts on Saturday, craftspeople from the village and beyond will be exhibiting their works.

From fine art to lino-cuts and fabric masterpieces, to 3D animal paintings on wood, stonemasonry and backlit pieces and more, there is something to excite and stimulate every visitor.

One of the highlights will be Enclosure, a 100-ft circular neon installation by Robbie Coleman which will light up Abbotsbury Hill, just below St Catherine's Chapel, on Sunday and Monday, May 27 and 28.

Robbie, who lives in Scotland although his mother lives near Abbotsbury, explained: "It is designed to be moved about in different landscapes but I haven't done it like this before.

"At the moment it's powered by a generator, which makes a bit of noise, but in time I want to raise the finances to make it solar-powered, so it is silent and has no impact whatsoever on the environment. It leaves no footprint but looks fantastic for the time it is up."

Art Weeks spokeswoman Mary-Clare Buckle, added: "It will look absolutely stunning, something very unusual for the area. At first we were a bit worried about having it on the hill because we thought it might scare the sheep, but the farmer didn't mind so we have gone ahead with it."

Mary-Clare is one of the 21 artists taking part in the community display.

She specialises in backlit fabric work and is in huge demand here and in America. Mary-Clare is also well-known for her raggedy felt' national flags which have been snapped up by collectors all over the world.

For such a small place as Abbotsbury, an incredibly large range of different art will be on show in several venues in the village.

Award-winning stonemasons Bec Freiesleben and Mark Lillywhite, aerial photographer Francesca Radcliffe and Sylvia Garnet's work inspired by a recent trip to Brazil, are just some of the exhibitions.

Jenny Crocker, near the Dansel Gallery, on Rodden Row, makes limited edition linocuts and extremely unusual 3D fish and animal paintings on wood. Sounds interesting? Don't miss it!

And Barbara Laurie produces richly-coloured, shimmering devoré velvet, made up by costumier Nell Coleman into fantastic bespoke garments or scarves in your choice of colours.

Organiser Barbara Laurie said: "What seems to be a theme running through my many discussions with artists here is a sense of being part of something important - a feeling that Abbotsbury really is on the map for anyone looking for truly original art and crafts."

Abbotsbury Art Weeks is held from Saturday, May 26 to Sunday, June 3, with each venue marked by silk banners and red arrows. Art Weeks guides are available from The Gallery at 13, Market Street (opposite Strangways Hall), by calling 01305 871561 or on the website at www.abbotsburyartweeks.org