An artist is inviting people across Dorset to participate in her interactive art exhibition this winter.

Ali Mauger, 54, will be displaying her artwork at Guggleton Farm Arts, Stalbridge, from January 17 to February 10.

Her exhibition aims to promote the positive effects of creativity on mental wellbeing by encouraging members of the public to add their own drawings to her work.

Miss Mauger said: “The cold and dark months of winter can be difficult for some people, and I wanted to offer something free and accessible to everyone, that might bring some comfort and perhaps an alternative perspective on self-care.

“I feel so passionate about the wonderfully beneficial effects that creativity can have on the human spirit that, if my exhibition touches just one person and inspires them to take positive action for themselves, well...that would make me really happy.”

Dorset Echo:

Miss Mauger is originally from Weymouth and used to work in the civil service. After suffering from a stroke, she found comfort in art and left her job to begin a new career teaching arts and crafts, starting her own business Happily Ever Art.

With her upcoming exhibition called “Art is a verb”, Ali, who now lives in Yeovil, hopes that by encouraging others to get involved, it’ll highlight how art should be practised and enjoyed by everyone no matter their skill level.

“The difficulties people often have in art exhibitions is that they look around and feel excluded. People have this mistaken belief that you can’t do art, all over the years I’d hear people say how they wish they could do art.

“My biggest desire is to show people you don’t need innate talent to be creative. I’m giving permission for people to pick up the pen and give it a go. The process of creating is the most important thing, not the product – that’s where the joy is.

“Everyone is creative. Don’t let anyone tell you you’re not!”

Free zine making workshops will also be available between 11am and 3pm every Wednesday as part of the exhibition.

More examples of Ali Mauger's work can be found on her Instagram page:https://www.instagram.com/ali_happilyeverart/