Local artist Michelle Fisher has opened Dollyhotdogs on South Street, where she creates stunning artwork inspired by nature and the sea.

Ms Fisher, who studied art in Brighton 25 years ago, decided the town was the perfect place to open a gallery and workshop. 

She said: “There is a great art community here and all the shop owners here are very welcoming, so it is nice to have somewhere with a buzz about it. It is not like any high street at the moment. It feels very alive.”

(Image: Chloe Boden) The talented painter creates all the artwork on display entirely on her own, using local materials from Bridport and Dorchester.

Ms Fisher was previously an illustrator before having children. She then revived her love of the arts and started selling pieces in Bridport Market, and grew her clientele from there.

(Image: Chloe Boden) She said: “We had a great first week. We have been so supported.”

The artist recognised the struggles many independent businesses are facing at the moment, with a number of closures reported in the town.

READ MORE: Bridport: The Trading Post reveals reason for shock closure 

Ms Fisher also runs a shop in Lyme Regis and formerly in Axminster before closing in 2021.

She said: “It’s certainly a tough time for businesses. It is the worst we have seen in a long time.”

(Image: Chloe Boden) But Ms Fisher, along with her business partner Kate Bachelor, whom she described as the ‘admin brain’ of the pair, are confident the gallery will thrive in the heart of the town.

As well as selling designs around the world and in town, Ms Fisher also said she has been taking commissions for finer art and bespoke pieces.

(Image: Chloe Boden) In the future, she hopes to host workshops for people in the town to get in touch with their creative side, to help boost mindfulness.

She said: “We are concentrating on getting the shop up and running but next we would love to do some workshops. Especially these days it is something you can switch off to and be completely mindful.”

The shop is open Tuesday – Saturday from 10am until 4pm.