Evolver 150

PETER BURKE ‘TOWERS’ (2026) Folly Featuring Peter Burke, Judith Jones, Jemma Gunning and Karl Singporewala, this exhibition presents four Academicians exploring the common theme of folly through their work. 23 June - 30 August: Kenny Gallery, RWA, Queen’s Road, Clifton, BRISTOL, BS8 1PX. Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 5pm. Free entry. 0117 973 5129 / rwa.org.uk . Spirit of Fancy This summer, eight artists and craftspeople from across East Dorset come together for Spirit of Fancy , a vibrant exhibition celebrating imagination, creativity and the handmade. The exhibition title is inspired by the poetic phrase ‘spirit of fancy’, echoing the romantic idea of imagination as a powerful creative force - a fitting theme for a collection of artists whose work is deeply rooted in invention, observation and individual expression. The exhibition will showcase a diverse range of contemporary art and craft, including ceramics, sculpture, textiles, mixed media, illustration and decorative work. Each exhibitor brings a distinctive visual language and approach, creating an exhibition rich in texture, colour and atmosphere. Inspired variously by landscape, nature, pattern, storytelling and material exploration, the collection reflects both the individuality of the makers and a shared commitment to craftsmanship and artistic expression. Exhibiting artists include Debby Kirby, Julie Massie, Elaine King, Alan Williams, David Pointer, Caroline Parrott, Ali Woodgate, and Katy Harrald. Visitors can expect expressive ceramics, sculptural forms, intricate surfaces and finely observed imagery, all set within the dramatic coastal surroundings of Durlston Country Park. 26 August - 17 September: Fine Foundation Gallery, Durlston Country Park, SWANAGE, BH192JL. 10.30am - 4.30pm. 07968 065154. FESTIVAL OF WESSEX 2026 • 22 Dance Out Dance Out is an exhibition of paintings, drawings and film that celebrates dance as an everyday human activity, both solitary and social. The RWA itself will shape-shift during the exhibition, with the main daylit galleries hosting a series of dance and dance-related events. Dance Out features large-scale works by David Remfry, who has exhibited his dancefloor watercolours in galleries around the world, and the rarely seen Blue Tent by Denzil Forrester, which captures the energy of 1980s Black British nightlife, alongside Carnival- inspired works by Paul Dash and John Lyons, and a premiere from contemporary artist Zoe Spowage. Short films from Tracey Emin and Gillian Wearing reflect on the personal and social importance of dance and nightclub culture, and other exhibiting artists include rising star Amy Dury, Paula Rego, and Melanie Manchot, whose RWA-commissioned film Night Moves will premiere at the exhibition. RWA Academician Dorcas Casey is also creating a new, large-scale sculptural work to hang in the dome over the RWA landing, which references Morris dance culture and folklore. A fully accessible, haptic Beat Blocks dancefloor, which transforms sound frequencies into powerfully felt vibrations, will be installed in the RWA’s main gallery and features a soundtrack to the exhibition curated by DJ d4rling, featuring mixes by Josephine Gyasi and DJ Devolicious. For a series of late-night events, the gallery will host some of Bristol’s most exciting dance talent, including Bristol Swing Riot and more. Until 9 August: RWA, Queen’s Road, Clifton, BRISTOL, BS8 1PX. Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 5pm. £11 / £9.90. 0117 973 5129 / rwa.org.uk . KATY HARRALD JULIE MASSIE DAVID REMFRY ‘DANCERS’ (2001) Potfest South West Over 90 selected makers showcase a wide and diverse range of work that is guaranteed to delight and inspire. Discover functional and decorative ceramics to suit all tastes and budgets and buy direct from the maker. 3 - 5 July: Turnpike Showground, MOTCOMBE, Shaftesbury, SP7 9PL. 10am - 4.30pm. potfest.co.uk . ELAINE KING