DEEP personal experience has prompted surprising responses by 24 contemporary artists to Dorset County Museum’s rich collection. The exhibition, Encounters, appeals to both young and old and contains a range of concepts in a variety of different, and in some cases highly unusual, media.

Members of Wessex Contemporary Arts have worked with the museum’s support to present works that are both a response to the collections and a development of their own working practice.

The archaeological holdings of the museum have been the focus of the largest number of artists. There are several workshops and ‘meet the artists’ events throughout spring to bring the concept alive and encourage a greater understanding of how contemporary arts can be part of everyone’s experience.

The artists will be there to talk about their work between 10.30am and noon on April 4 and 11.

Some are also running workshops to encourage tactile engagement. The next of these, an experimental drawing encounter with artists Jindra Jehu and Louise Roll, takes place at the museum on March 30 between 10.30am and noon.

Admission is £3, it is suitable for all ages and there is no need to book.

On April 27, Bill Crumbleholme is holding an adult workshop on Neolithic grooved ware pottery, and on May 11, Susan Hughes has a portrait workshop for over-13s. Both cost £7.50 and advance booking is essential on 01305 756827.

Encounters runs until June 7 and entry to the exhibition is free. Pick up a leaflet at the shop or visit dorsetcountymuseum.org