A 126-YEAR-OLD Oxford art group has launched its annual open exhibition, putting more than 150 of pieces of work by local artists on display.

Earlier this year the Oxford Art Society called for both aspiring and experienced artists to submit their work for the show, which is being held in the Cloister Gallery of St John the Evangelist Church in Iffley Road.

More than 300 hopefuls submitted pieces and Dr Emily Pott, from the Prince's School of Traditional Arts in London, has selected 160 to go on display to the public at the exhibition which opened last week.

Lucy Stopford, the chairman of the society, said there had been a record number of submissions this year and was delighted that the show continues to grow.

She said: "It's a very high standard like always.

"We've got everything from abstract to highly realistic with water colours, sculpture, stonework and glass.

"It's an opportunity for anyone within a 30 mile radius of the city to have their work displayed alongside professional artists.

"Those who have had their work displayed twice becomes a member of the society so it's a great experience for all the artists."

Mrs Stopford, who's portraits have featured in the BP Portrait Award, is this year displaying her sculpture of Michael Allingham, a fellow of Magdalen College, Oxford.

His modelled head was cast in bronze and mounted on stone sourced from repairs to the college’s wall in Longwall Street.

Sculptor Alan Biggs, who is displaying work for the third time this year, said: "It is a way of getting my work shown in Oxford.

"The number of visitors the show gets is amazing.

"A lot of people like to see work created locally and get a sense of what is inspiring people in the city."

The 77-year-old, who lives on Abingdon Road, started sculpting professionally at the age of 50 and specialises in creating lifesize artwork.

He said: "I like working on a large scale. It carries itself much better and makes everything much clearer.

"It also takes just as much time as making a smaller one."

The society is also hosting its second young artists' exhibition as part of the show.

Judged by Paul Hobson from Modern Art Oxford, a £1,000 prize will be presented to the winner.

The exhibition is open daily from 10am to 4pm until Sunday, October, 1 and is free to visit.