ARTISTS are exhibiting their work in the second Oxford Art Fair this weekend.

Fifty artists, including ten from Oxfordshire, will showcase their pieces in the gardens of The Fishes pub, North Hinksey.

The event is organised by Oxford resident Joelle Dinnage, who is hoping to build on the success of last year when it had more than 3,000 visitors and all exhibitors sold everything on show.

At the fair, each exhibitor has a stand showing their art on sale.

Ms Dinnage, 28, of Marley Close, said: “Last year was fantastic, but this time we have even more artists and a greater variety of art with jewellery, ceramics and sculptures.”

The artists range from emerging talents to the well-established.

Ms Dinnage spends about half the year scouting and then selecting which artists she wants at the fair.

One of the artists taking part is Oxford’s Gareth Lloyd, who specialises in wildlife using pencil and charcoal.

Mr Lloyd, 27, of James Street, said: “It’s a huge event set in beautiful surroundings and is an opportunity for artists to make themselves known.”

Mr Lloyd was previously in the Army, but decided to pursue a career in art five years ago.

He said: “I have always loved doing art, but it’s only recently that other people have loved what I do too.”

Oxford Brookes fine art student Samantha Ball is one of those exhibiting her work professionally for the first time.

Ms Ball, 20, whose work includes paintings of industrial machinery, said: “I have never done anything like this before, so I’m feeling quite nervous, but I’m also looking forward to it.”

Professional artist Nena Parkes, from Eden Drive, said she was feeling nervous about showing her abstract paintings for the first time at the fair.

Ms Parkes, 67, said: “I’m nervous as I’ve never exhibited my work at this event before. You have to feel quite brave to put your work on show.”

Ms Dinnage decided to set up the Oxford Art Fair because she said there was a demand for it in the city.

She said: “Oxford has so much culture – there was a gap in the market for an art fair here.”

She added that the fair was unique because of its lively atmosphere which created a festival ‘fever’.

There will be live music, children’s entertainment, picnic baskets, a barbecue and cocktails on offer during the event.

She said: “It’s more accessible for everyone and that in turn promotes people to invest more in art – because of the atmosphere.”

The event is open today from 11am to 7pm and tomorrow from 11am to 5pm.