The Oxford Art Fair
The Oxford Art Fair returns to The Fishes at North Hinksey for an inspiring day out
The Fishes at North Hinksey is once again playing host to the Oxford Air Fair this month, which is set to transform the pub’s one acre garden into the city’s largest outdoor contemporary art gallery when it takes place on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th July.
As well a unique opportunity to browse for art, the event brings two great days of music and family entertainment to Oxford, for everyone to enjoy this summer.
Now in its second year and going from strength to strength, the Oxford Art Fair sees some of the country’s most innovative up and coming artists to the city, who will be showcasing a wide range of contemporary work. Artists from Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and London and from as far away as Cornwall and Lancashire will showcase paintings, photography, multimedia and urban art, alongside sculpture and limited editions, all stunningly displayed in the beautiful surroundings of The Fishes’ garden.
“We were really so spurred on by the success of last year’s art fair, our first here in the city, that we decided to go all out to make this year’s even bigger and better,” says Joelle Dinnage, organiser of the event. “This year, we’ve got more than 50 emerging UK artists showcasing hundreds of original artworks in the glorious surroundings of The Fishes’ garden, adding up to an inspiring yet really relaxed space to enjoy contemporary art.
“You don’t need to be an art expert to enjoy the event, either - there’s something for everyone, whatever their taste and it’s a very informal affair, too,” she continues. “People can simply wander round the outdoor gallery completely at their own pace, drink in hand if the mood takes them. They can meet the artists, get to know how they work and learn the concepts behind each piece.
“If they see something they like, they can buy direct from the artist. It’s the ideal way to get a feel for a particular piece, and find something to fill a space on a wall at home or some sculpture to adorn a garden. They can even have a piece of art specially commissioned for them! What better place to do that in, than the naturally lovely setting of one of the county’s finest pubs?” she says.
In addition to the impressive line-up of artists displaying and selling their art, there will be live music and entertainment, with children’s activities as well as garden games including pétanque, at the pub. The Fishes will also be serving tasty picnics to enjoy in the garden and there will be an outside bar to keep the drinks perfectly chilled.
“We’re delighted to welcome back the Oxford Art Fair to the pub and to making the event one that visitors of all ages can enjoy, says The Fishes’ manager Owain Llwyd Jones. “Joelle has been instrumental in bringing together a really amazing art experience and we’re just pleased we can be an outlet for it. That said, we have got together an exciting weekend of entertainment including some great live acoustic acts, things to keep the kids amused and of course plenty of good things to eat and drink, so make sure you come and enjoy the fantastic art while you have a fantastic day out.”
Entry to the Oxford Art Fair is free for all. The two day event takes place from 11am to 7pm on Saturday 27th July and from 11am to 5pm Sunday 28th July. The Fishes bar will be open until 11pm. For more information, please go to www.theoxfordartfair.com
The Fishes is at North Hinksey, Oxford, OX2 0NA.
Tel: 01865 249 796.
Web: www.fishesoxford.co.uk