Art with a Heart: Devon’s most vibrant autumn exhibition

A popular community art exhibition returns to the Teign Valley next week.

The 2026 Doddiscombsleigh Art Show takes place from October 23 to 25 at the Teign Valley Community Hall in Christow, with this year seeing new interactive features.

The free-entry exhibition has built a strong reputation for showcasing local artists and the organisers take pride in showcasing a wide range of work from both established and emerging artists from the area.

And since its launch in 2002, it has raised tens-of-thousands of pounds for Doddiscombsleigh Primary School and Pre-School.

Funds raised by the event are reinvested into the education and development of pupils at the school, supporting facilities, activities and learning opportunities, amid a backdrop of increased rural school closures.

As well as an extensive selection of artwork spanning painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery and textiles this year’s event will also introduce a new pre-exhibition programme of artist-led talks and workshops in the week leading up to the exhibition, curated by artist and curator Lucy Malone, formerly Co-Director of the Museum of Ordinary People (Brighton).

The initiative aims to expand community engagement, with sessions including discussions on artistic inspiration and practical advice on marketing and self-promotion for creatives.

Nichola Hartley, parent and co-chair of the show, said “We’ve received an incredible response from artists for this year’s event and the new programme will bring art further into our community while strengthening the show’s fundraising impact.”

The exhibition’s long-standing community focus was echoed by Doddiscombsleigh Head of School Rebecca Davies who said:. “It’s a wonderful celebration of creativity and community and of course the funds raised provide valuable opportunities and experiences for children at both the Primary and Pre-School.”

Originally founded by a group of parents who transformed the local school into a temporary gallery space, the event has grown significantly over the past two decades.

It was relocated to Teign Valley Community Hall in 2013 to accommodate its increasing popularity and continues to attract visitors and artists from across the region.