The Dorset Open People's Choice Award

 

Of this work, Frances says: "The black greasy pigment used came out of my own diesel engine. I felt its use was in alignment with the frustration I feel with myself and the ambitions of Portland Port in regard to our climate emergency.

The black residue turned out to be tricky to use: insinuating itself onto every surface I touched, invasive, resistant to management. The light pollution across the harbour has grown brighter over the last year: and has banished night. 

This work was made at night and therefore without the control enjoyed during daylight. The discomfort I feel around the degradation of the landscape and the assertiveness of industry in the Port. The long-running dispute between those who are comfortable with a waste incinerator in the centre of this image. 

The painting is fashioned out of dirt and spoil. I have been driving the diesel van for 18 years ...and am acknowledging my role in the spoiling."

We'd like to say a final congratulations to all of the prize winners and highly commended artists who featured in the exhibition.

A big thank you to all of the participants for making this such a successful and wonderful inaugural Dorset Open, as well as the judges, supporters and of course, the many visitors who came and experienced the show.

The Dorset Open ran from 18 October - 30 November 2025 at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery. The brand-new major open art competition was a landmark first collaboration between Dorset Visual Arts and Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, with support from Dorchester Arts, Arts in Hospital and Evolver Magazine. Over 100 selected works captured the essence of the region’s landscape, people, history and culture, exploring each artist’s relationship to the area.