FRESH onto Dorset's art scene is a brand new market event being held in Dorchester over the Easter weekend.

The first ever Dorset Art Market will be held at the Dorchester FC Avenue Stadium on Easter Saturday (April 20) from 10am-2pm, and will bring together talented artists from across the county, who will be selling originals, prints and handmade items - ranging from wall art, to gift cards and printed clothing to ceramics.

Organisers behind the market - which is a Community Interest Company operating on a not-for-profit basis - say Dorset is both the home and inspiration of a significant number of talented creatives.

"The market aims to provide another way for residents and visitors to see more work by local artists, and for artists to sell work directly in the community", said one of the founders.

"There will be a different combination of artists at each market, with an amazing variety of styles."

The first event will feature artists including Percy Lizzard, Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts; Lily Martin, who creates abstract works using acrylics; Kuhla Shine, a multimedia artist; Charlotte Marshall, illustrator and printmaker; Anita Law, watercolour artist who specialises in pet portraits; Neil Colclough, who creates landscape scenes in oil and acrylics; Claire Cameron, ceramic artist; and Lucy Tidbury, who has created a series of ‘Moo selfies’ - animal selfies at Dorset landmarks.

Adding to the atmosphere will be young performers from the DASP Music Network, while Dorset based face painter, Elizabeth Ingham of About Face, will be on hand for those who enjoy wearing their art.

One of the organisers said: “The market will feature affordable and original works. What could be better to have in your home or to give as a gift, than a special work by a local artist?”

Artist Percy Lizzard said: “I moved here around four years ago and have found Dorset to be a very creative place to live and work.

"The idea of the Dorset Art Market is excellent and provides much needed opportunities for local artists.”

Purbeck-based Lucy Tidbury said: "Our beautiful local landscape continues to be an influence, and the market seemed an ideal opportunity to showcase my work.

"There's such a sense of community in Dorset amongst artists and crafters, sharing ideas, opportunities and working together”.

Dorset Art Market will take place on April 20, June 29, July 27 and August 31 at The Dorchester FC Avenue Stadium between 10am-2pm. Free parking is available.

For more information visit www.dorsetartmarket.co.uk