HIGH streets will be transformed into a gallery as Weymouth stages an art exhibition in shop windows.

The Art Trail features paintings and one sculpture by 17 professional artists, displayed in settings as diverse as a jeweller's, hair salon, gift shops and boutiques round the town centre.

Organised by Weymouth Arts Centre (WAC), the event lasts for a fortnight and includes mostly abstract oils, acrylics and watercolour canvasses.

Arts centre board member Charlie James, who dreamt up the scheme, said: "I totally welcome recent calls for seaside towns like Weymouth to have art galleries opening at night alongside pubs and clubs.

"Effectively, The Art Trail will make Weymouth an art gallery that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"I believe some people may be too intimidated to enter a conventional art gallery or say they are not interested in art.

"But, in fact, we are surrounded by visual art - like labels on soup tins and wallpaper patterns - all the time.

"I think a lot of people are not aware of what is on offer and the aim of the Art Trail is to make quality art more accessible to everybody, whether they are going to the pub, supermarket or out for a meal."

Mrs James, 46, from Weymouth, added: "There will be a real buzz because there is a lot of creative talent in Weymouth, and we want to tap into it so it can be explored and celebrated.

"Hopefully, it will also raise the profile of professional art in Weymouth because I know a lot of artists get frustrated at the lack of galleries in the town centre."

Retailers picked which work they wanted to display at a private viewing. All the artwork is for sale, with shop owners taking the commission normally charged by gallery owners.

The Art Trail will be held in the last week of October and first week of November. For a programme and more information contact 01305 781090.