A new gallery showcasing the work of Dorset artists is now open.

Artist Keith Athay built the Athay Gallery at Portland Marina and along with partner Alexandra McAllister, has opened its doors to the public.

Keith 'Kit' Athay has been a contemporary collage seascape and abstract artist for more than 20 years but it was his love of the sea which brought him to Portland.

The gallery doubles as his studio and he now spends his time walking across Portland with dog, Claude and getting inspiration from the Jurassic Coast for his seascapes.

Miss McAllister, who manages Athay Gallery, said they started it to "support the wealth of artists currently on Portland."

She added they also wanted to promote the beautiful Portland scenery and encourage artists, as well as tourists, to head to the isle for inspiration.

"We're very excited about opening Athay Gallery and supporting local talent. We currently have ten artists who are all people who live on Portland and throughout Dorset who sell across the UK and internationally," Miss McAllister said.

She added the art on display ranged from oil and acrylic paintings to graphic illustrations and Portland stone and bronze sculptures.

"It's a nice mix," said Miss McAllister. "We have some artists who are well established and others who have only just started out in the last two months - we really want to promote artists in the area."

Artists currently on display include:

  • Brian Freelander (Graphics/Architecture/Painter)
  • Carol Cruisckshank (Tapestry/Applique)
  • Harriet Lawrence (Abstract Painter)
  • Jane Shaw (Bronze Sculptor)
  • Jason Hartley (Furniture-maker)
  • John Davey (Portland Stone Sculptor)
  • Kim Pragnell (Abstract Seascape Painter)
  • Keith 'Kitt' Athay (Mixed Media Collage Seascape & Abstract Painter)
  • Lyn Kirkland (Encaustic Wax)
  • Sue Fawthrop (Plein Air Painter)

The gallery recently held an opening for members of the public.

"We had a really good response despite the terrible weather and there was great feedback from both the public and visitors," Miss McAllister said.

She added the gallery was looking to hear from more local artists and would be holding a series of exhibitions and workshops in the coming months.

The gallery is free to attend and is open from Monday to Friday from 10am until 3pm, Saturday 10am until 5pm and Sunday 10am until 4pm.

For more information visit athaygallery.co.uk