DORSET Art Weeks 2012 continues and comes to an end this weekend, so if you haven’t yet taken the opportunity to explore the county’s creative talent, now is the time to do so.

This county-wide open studios event takes place every other year, with more than 1,000 artists and craftspeople taking part.

One of the more unusual events will be a recital of music played on a dulcimer by artist Damian Clarke in his studio at 25, Kings Road, Dorchester (85 in the DAW brochure).

Damien works in acrylic and ink and also plays the dulcimer, which he says is an extension of his artwork.

He said: “I usually play music as part of my exhibitions because I find it adds another dimension to the display.

“I am also on a mission to bring the dulcimer to as many people as possible. It has been around for 3,000 years or more but there are only 20 or 30 people playing it in this country so the more people who know about it the better.”

Damian will be performing between 2pm and 3pm on Sunday in his studio.

For further details about all art weeks venues visit dorsetartweeks.co.uk The life and times of a West African slave who became a musical genius and ended up living in Cornwall are explored in The Tin Violin, which comes to Bridport Arts Centre tomorrow night.

Born in West Africa in 1775 Joseph Emidy was captured as a slave by the Portuguese, then by the British Navy. Landing at Falmouth he was presented with a magical tin violin made by an illiterate miner and his future was assured.

The Tin Violin is at 8pm tomorrow and is suitable for anyone aged 10 and above. Call 01308 424204 for full details and bookings.

Inspired by London 2012 and the Cultural Olympiad, Coastal Voices comes to Lighthouse in Poole tonight.

The singing initiative is a landmark project bringing hundreds of voices together for performances across Dorset and Devon led by musical director Howard Moody.

In this unique concert, Dorset’s singers come together for the first time to perform all four new commissions created for and to celebrate the Jurassic Coast.

The performance is at 7.30pm today – call 0844 406 8666 for full details.