A three day exhibition for enthusiastic artists in Swanage, Dorset, exceeded all expectations when doors were opened to the public at the Emmanuel Baptist Church.
A public vote for the best three pieces of art on display led to protests that the standards were too high to make easy decisions, and many visitors had to go round the exhibition several times before making their minds up.
A painting by Shan Madson was eventually voted best in show by the visitors
Chance to express artistic sides
Eventually, the first prize in show went to Shan Madsen for her painting Lavender Fields, while runner up place was handed to David Grant for his picture of Old Harry Rocks and third went to Lawrie Sandford for his Routemaster Red London Bus.
The Swanage Art Dabblers’ event was held in the church on Victoria Avenue from Thursday 30th October to Saturday 1st November 2025 and attracted a steady stream of viewers.
The group has been running for 14 years, to give members of the community an opportunity to express their artistic sides and to showcase their work to the public.
Lavender Fields was finally declared best in show after a very close public vote
“Exhibition was a huge success”
Dabblers’ art tutor Lynda Ringrose said:
“Our autumn exhibition was a huge success. We had watercolours, acrylics, pastels and oil paintings on display, and some of my art dabblers are potters, so we also had a display of their work on show, along with silk painting, embroidery and poetry.
“We set up a competition for visitors to choose the best three pieces of art in their eyes, but many told us that it was just too difficult to make a choice, such was the standard of art on display.”
David Grant was runner up in the exhibition with his painting of Old Harry rocks
“I am proud of each and every one”
Lynda added:
“Many people enjoyed the artwork so much that they stayed for the whole morning or afternoon, having their lunch or afternoon tea here before they went back in for a second viewing.
“All of my art dabblers were at the exhibition to help answer questions about their work, and needless to say I am proud of each and every one of them.
“It is so important that art is encouraged for all, and having the chance to show off our work to the public and hear the appreciation of it is a highlight of our year.”
Painting on silk, embroidery, pottery and poetry also featured in the exhibition
More art from the show
Lawrie Sandford’s Routemaster Red London Bus won third place in the show
Lots of detail went into a study of customers at a record shop
Reflective art which took inspiration from a riverside walk
Swanage’s famous puffins were on display at Emmanuel Baptist Church
Study of a Seahorse won a lot of praise from visitors to the three day show
