Oxton Art Fair 2012

I personally have decided to leave Oxton Art Fair this year so wanted to do a little review of what I am aware of the history of the show before I hand over the reins of the blog to someone else. The Oxton Artists are already planning this year's show for the end of November begining of December.

Started in 2004 by Marie Mairs with Paul Rees, Chris Millichamp, Alan Chape and Nigel Mairs local artists were invited to exhibit at the first annual Oxton Art Fair included myself - Alison Bailey Smith, Judith Brown, Ken Peacock, Sherilyn Halligan, Lynda Roberts, Desdemona McCannon, Jo Hague, Daniel James and Marilyn Jones. The first exhibition was held at the Williamson Art Gallery one weekend in the winter of 2004.

In 2005, new artists joined (Emma Rodgers, Patsy Taylor and Jeremy Watson) and many of the original exhibitors also exhibited (in fact many of the original exhibitors are still very involved).

In 2006, the Oxton Artists held two shows - one in May during Secret Gardens of Oxton at Saint Saviours Parish Centre  and one before Christmas at the Williamson Art Gallery. Every year since there has be the annual Oxton Art Fair and the current exhibitors are now starting to plan for the 9th annual Oxton Art Fair (actually the 10th show as a group). The show over the years has built a loyal audience and has tremendous support from the community and also from the staff of the Williamson Art Gallery. It has become a highlight of the social calendar in the area.

Former exhibitors include
Jo Hague (2004), Emma Rodgers (2005), Marie Mairs (2004 -2010), Alison Bailey Smith (2004-2010, sabbatical 2011), Jeremy Watson (2005), Nigel Mairs (2004-2006) Vicky Haire (2006), Jan Brown (2007), Ken Peacock (2004-2009?, Mark Emptage (2007?), Chris Millichamp (2004-2009), Marilyn Jones (2004-2006), Eleanor Suggett (2008-2010 sabbatical 2011), Eimear Kavanagh (2009-2010 sabbatical 2011).

All the best and I will look forward to seeing the show in early winter.

Alison