Popular art show to return this autumn

A renowned community art show is set to return this year to raise funds for a much-loved local school.

The Doddiscombsleigh Art Show will open its doors this autumn, showcasing an amazing art gallery, arts and crafts shop and café, with money raised from the event going towards the village primary school and pre-school.

The three-day event kicks off from November 1 to 3 and is free admission with free parking available. In years gone by, the show has raised impressive amounts due to the hard work of volunteers from the village.

Parent and Chair of the Show, Claire Cook, said: “Preparations for the Doddi Art Show are once again in full steam for November. We have a wonderful array of talent exhibiting with us this year; prestigious artists such as David Morgan, Craig Ashew, Penelope Timmis, and our very own alumnus Molly Lemon will exhibit alongside many new and upcoming artists from across the Southwest.”

The much-anticipated event was the brainchild of a group of school parents who hosted their first show in 2002. The parents cleared the entire contents of the school to create a makeshift gallery and, after raising a staggering £5,000, the classrooms were hastily reassembled in time for school the next morning.

By 2013, it became clear that the event had outgrown the school as a venue and was moved to the Teign Valley Community Hall. Fast forward a few years, and since 2019, the art show has raised £34,000.

School parent Nichola Hartley said: “The popularity of the show is a testament to how passionate local parents and volunteers are about maintaining this gem of a school on our doorstep.

“We’re also thrilled as a community to see that Ofsted recognises the quality of education being provided there, despite the challenges that come with maintaining a primary school in a rural location.”

Doddiscombsleigh Primary Head of School, Amanda Russell, said: “We strive to provide a broad and balanced curriculum, including a wide range of art, music, and sports.

“The funds raised by the show enable us to invite experts to enrich our curriculum as well as offer exciting experiences such as climbing, scuba diving, and high ropes. Over the years, the money raised has enabled us to enhance our school with a pond, a vegetable garden, a play trail, and enhanced IT equipment.

“More recently, we have installed a sound and light system in the hall and purchased a stage, which allows us to showcase the children’s talents.”

Mrs Russell added: “I would like to personally thank the sponsors of this year’s show and the dedicated parent and volunteer group, teaching staff, and community volunteers, both past and present, without whom this Art Show would not be possible.”

The Doddiscombsleigh Art Show will be held at the Teign Valley Community Hall, Christow, EX6 7NA, from November 1 to 3.  For more information visit:

https://www.facebook.com/DoddiscombsleighArtShow

https://www.instagram.com/doddiartshow/