THE Dorset Art Fair this weekend will include exhibitions, demonstrations, music and dance.

The event at Kingston Maurward House near Dorchester has been set up to create a festival of contemporary art, design and media with chances for art lovers to take part in activities.

Today and tomorrow visitors can view and purchase the art and enjoy the grounds of the house as well as an art party tonight.

Artists can use the event as an opportunity to network and discuss techniques and the entrance space will feature artist Hollie Mackenzie’s award-winning sculpture ‘Downfall’.

The fair is being organised by Dorset Visual Arts (DVA), which is behind the Dorset Art Weeks event held every two years.

DVA Director Jem Main said: “This is a new event, very different from a craft fair.

“We urge people to come and support it so we can make it a fixture in the calendar just like the much loved Dorset Art Weeks. There is much on view that’s both special and affordable.

“In addition to the quality and vitality of the work, there will be both graduate and experienced artists to talk to and learn from – many of the exhibitors have impressive credentials and reputations.”

There will be work on show from furniture designers John Makepeace and Petter Southall.

Animation films by Arts University Bournemouth will also be shown and there will be sessions of the Chinese meditation and healing practice Qigong.

Jem added: “A lot of galleries have closed due to the economy so artists are finding other ways of doing things and I think there’s a lot more initiative beginning to get embedded in art here.

“This is a lovely venue and this event is a chance for us to do something in the intervening year between the years when we hold the Dorset Art Weeks.”

The party tonight includes a special dance performance by Pavilion Dance’s dancer-in-residence, Elodie Escarmelle.

She will dance a piece conceived through watching artists working in ceramics and glassblowing.

Visitors in the daytime are encouraged to bring a picnic with live music on offer in the grounds by the Andy Grant Trio, playing blues and other styles.

The library at Kingston Maurward will be used to showcase examples from the new Dame Elisabeth Frink and Mary Spencer Watson archives held by Dorset History Centre.

There will also be demonstrations in stone carving, wood turning and Japanese raku pottery on the terrace.

Galleries and craft centres including Sladers Yard, The Art Stable, ArtWave West and Walford Mill Crafts will also be present. The fair is open from 10am to 5pm today and 10am-4pm tomorrow.

Tickets at the door are £5 for adults with children and student card-holders free.

The Art Party tonight starts at 7.45pm with £15 entry available on the door.

For more information visit dorsetvisualarts.org.