Artists and enthusiasts of all skill levels are invited to participate in the Art in the Park 2026 event at Upton Country Park in Poole on Sunday 7 June. The event offers participants the opportunity to draw or paint outdoors throughout the park grounds, with all entries to be completed between 10am and 3pm.
Organised by the Poole & East Dorset Art Society (PEDAS), the day is open to both professional and amateur artists. Participants must register at the Welcome Centre in the main car park before beginning their work. There is an entry fee of £6 per piece of artwork, payable in cash.
This year’s competition will be judged by Dorset-based artist Kim Day, the winner of the 2026 Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year. In addition to selecting the prize-winners, Day will conduct a live demonstration for attendees. The first-place winner will receive a £100 art materials voucher, while two runners-up will each be awarded a £25 voucher. These prizes are supported by Overbury’s Fine Art Supplies, which is located in Westbourne Arcade, Bournemouth.
The event coincides with the 50th anniversary of Upton Country Park, which first opened to the public on 15 May 1976. PEDAS, a charitable organisation founded in 1924 with the registered charity number 1184632, operates The Gallery Upstairs at the park in partnership with the local council. Attendees are reminded to bring their own materials to complete their artwork during the allotted time.
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