LOCAL artists are being invited to submit their work for an open exhibition which aims to showcase the county’s colourful life and landscape.

The Gallery Upstairs at Upton Country Park is calling to all artists within a 15 mile radius of Poole ahead of this year’s open exhibition entitled Inside Dorset, organised by Poole and East Dorset Arts Society, PEDAS.

Organisers are looking for “art which captures the varied life and landscape, either in contemporary terms or reflecting the rich history and identity of the region”.

All entries must be submitted by Wednesday, November 29 for the exhibition which will be held at The Gallery Upstairs from December 2 through to Christmas.

Art in any medium is welcome: painting, drawing, sculpture, handcrafted prints, digital and textile art.

Sally Holland, spokesman for PEDAS explained: “Asking artists to turn away from the coastline and explore the wonderful hinterland of Dorset is just one interpretation of ‘Inside Dorset’.

“Artists see our county in different ways and from different angles: from the history embedded in the landscape to the hubbub of our multi-cultural holiday towns. History, landscape, people, industry, culture, transport… all potential topics for celebrating this fascinating county.”

The selection panel comprises Jeremy Gardiner (British contemporary painter); Penny Crichton-Seager (artist/illustrator/teacher); Kathy Dinmore (Friends of Upton Country Park). Prize money will be awarded.

For an entry form, visit thegalleryupstairs.org.uk, email gus@pedas.org.uk or call 07906759620.