A DORSET art society is celebrating 100 years of making masterpieces with two major exhibitions and community events.

Poole and East Dorset Art Society was formed in 1924, by a group of artists living in the area hoping to stage an art exhibition in the town.

Now, from June to July this year, Lighthouse Poole will host an exhibition that features the very best artwork from the last 35 years.

Chair Jacqui Gush said: “Exhibitions are important, but we like to share our love of art with as many people as possible.

“We’ll be inviting all the art clubs in the area to a painting outside (en plein air) festival in the summer, and later in the year, a community event in the Dolphin Shopping Centre.”

John Biggs, president of PEDAS said: “The Story of Poole and East Dorset Art Society” exhibition will be at a later date at Poole Museum. “Poole is our home and the Museum is the natural place to tell our story”

“So, the only choice was to wait until after their major refurbishment. It will be well worth it, with rarely seen works by celebrated Members from throughout our century.”