‘Flow’ – Threshing Barn at Bere Marsh Farm, Shillingstone
23 May – 7 June 2026
Natterjack toads, ghosts, and a grandfather clock saved from a flood, are amongst the stories gathered for Dorset Art Weeks’ headline commission this year.
Artist Debbie Lee’s new work ‘Flow’ features stories she has gathered along the River Stour, and forms the centrepiece of the county’s largest celebration of visual arts – Dorset Art Weeks. The project has been developed in partnership with the Countryside Regeneration Trust and is supported by headline sponsor Hall & Woodhouse.
Debbie’s work explores the river, not only as a living system but also as a carrier of stories.
Debbie walked the riverbank, talking to people, gathering stories, watching wildlife and recording observations along the way. Her new work combines drawing, painting, mapping, writing and sound. The exhibition brings together large-scale river maps, concertina sketchbooks and sensory field notes, which invite visitors to slow down and experience the river.
Debbie Lee said:
“The Stour is a hidden gem, and the Stour Valley Way makes many of its secrets accessible. I visited many mills, churches and weirs along its flow and was struck by the abundance of bird life and nature as it winds its way through towns and villages. The river holds its own unique stories which people have shared with me as I’ve walked along. There are stories of the wildlife which lives along the banks and in the water, and there are some amazing human stories which link the river to the people who visit or live nearby. I wanted to listen to the river, to map it emotionally and geographically though my art, and to share that experience with others.
“I’ve met all sorts of interesting people on my walks. One woman told me how she’d rescued a grandfather clock from a flood, someone else had helped an otter trapped in a net.
“The river has an amazing power to hold memories, sustain wildlife and improve our wellbeing.”
At 61 miles long, the Stour is Dorset’s largest river, rising at Six Wells Valley at Stourhead in Wiltshire, flowing through the Blackmore Vale, then cutting through the chalk ridge of the Dorset Downs at Blandford Forum before eventually reaching Christchurch Harbour and the English Channel.
The exhibition will include a large (152x101cm) oil painting and a drawing of the narrative flow of imagery for the River Stour, as well as 12 framed monoprints. A projected 2-minute animated drawing will be shown alongside the 33×294 cm scroll drawing used to make the animation.
In the middle of the Threshing barn, there will be a 2-meter display of river studies and hand painted maps showing the artist’s research – walking, drawing and collecting stories about the River Stour.
There will also be a poetry corner with poems inspired by the river which people have shared during the project, with a space for visitors to leave their own writing or add illustrations to river maps.
Director of Dorset Visual Arts Paul Newman said:
“Through Dorset Art Weeks we offer local people and visitors 16 days to explore an extraordinary variety of art, from traditional to contemporary, showcased by Dorset’s talented artists, makers, and designers. This headline commission is the centrepiece of the event, and as well as offering visitors an opportunity to slow down and connect with the River Stour, we’re supporting the artist, Debbie Lee, with the opportunity to develop her practice.
“As part of our commitment to Culture Declares, we also want to acknowledge the Climate Emergency by creating a platform for exploration and discussion, and to highlight positive solutions to these challenges, empowering others to take action.”
Danielle Dewe, the CEO of the Countryside Regeneration Trust, said:
“The CRT at Bere Marsh Farm is delighted to be involved with Dorset Arts Weeks and honoured to host the headline commission piece by Debbie Lee in our Threshing Barn.
“Debbie’s piece, ‘Flow’, is so representative of the work we have done at Bere Marsh Farm on the River Stour, and, in particular, recently improving habitat for wading birds.
“Bere Marsh Farm is working to improve biodiversity in the countryside, so working with Dorset Visual Arts, who are committed to exploring the role visual arts plays in protecting natural environments, seems a natural step.”
‘Flow’ takes place during Dorset Art Weeks which offers the opportunity to explore an extraordinary variety of art. The event is now held annually, and invites the public to see the work of more than 500 artists at almost 300 venues across the county. There is art ranging from traditional to contemporary in artists’ open studios, workshops, group shows and curated exhibitions.
Visitors can meet artists, from emerging talent to established professionals. There is also the opportunity to purchase original art and crafts, whilst celebrating and supporting the local creative community.
‘Flow’ is at in the Threshing Barn at Bere Marsh Farm, Shillingstone, North Dorset. Other venues are open across the county during Dorset Art Weeks which runs from Saturday 23 May to Sunday 7 June 2026.
Gillian Taylor PR 