A group of fifteen local amateur artists have worked together to produce a stunning display to compliment the new artificial rockpool in Dorset Wildlife Trust’s (DWT’s) Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre, at Kimmeridge.
The panel, mounted by the visitor centre’s indoor rockpool, is populated with seashore creatures including hermit crabs, blennies and sea anemones as well as a host of other marine life to be found in the shallow coastal waters of Dorset. It guides visitors in identifying their own seashore finds as well as inspiring them to get out and explore the beach at low tide.
The group is made up of drawing and painting students* on adult seasonal courses run by artist and tutor, Julie Herring at her ‘earth art & design studio’ at Furzebrook, Wareham. They have regularly visited Kimmeridge for beachcombing, outdoor drawing and sketchbook activities.
DWT’s Marine Awareness Officer, Julie Hatcher, has been able to introduce the artists to creatures found in the rockpools of Kimmeridge Bay. She said, “These amateur artists have produced an eye-catching display with all the colour and detail that can be seen on the seabed here at high tide. It provides a beautiful window into the sea for visitors to enjoy and complements the live animals in our aquarium.”
Funding for this project was kindly provided by the Coastal Communities Fund as part of the Dorset Coastal Connections Partnership. The panel, printed by Ashley Press in Poole, was designed by Tim and David Pointer. Students taking part in the project were: Lesley Huggins, Susan Caine, David Pointer (student project leader), Sarah Budden, Peter Russell, Hazel Willmott, Peter Churchill, Jo Siviter, Susan Jessop, Martyn Jessop, Barbara Brodie-James, Lianna Law, Ruth Barnes and Rachel Calver.
For more information about the Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre and how to get there, visit https://www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/wild-seas-centre
