There are probably more artists in Summertown than in any other part of Oxford and Oakthorpe Road seems to be where most are concentrated. This means that Artweeks visitors find Summertown a worthwhile destination, as they can go from studio to studio without having to travel very far at all. In fact No 1 Oakthorpe Road — the studio of artist Francesca Shakespeare — is but five minutes’ walk from the official Summertown car park.

Francesca’s work is fascinating. She is a very versatile artist capable of almost everything from painting a property portrait to a bas relief or studies of cows on board that have been created from cast plaster and pigments. Her seascapes are great, too, and all those stripes she fixes on the canvas which she then highlights with brightly coloured figures are particularly imaginative.

Just a little further along the road potter Bridget Williams creates wheel-thrown slip decorated earthernware vessels at 7 Oakthorpe Road. Artist James Milroy is sharing her display space. .

James’s work is intriguing as most of his paintings are packed with crowds of people. His queue pictures are fantastic: the more you look, the more you see as his comic little figures wait patiently to reach the head of a queue where an ice cream awaits — though some linger in hope that Lowry will paint their portrait.

Jose and Ella (who eschew use of surnames) inhabit number 37. It’s here that you can view the remarkable pieces of art that they create from unwanted items and found bits that they feel deserve to be incorporated into a work of art.

Number 42 is where Philip Jolley will be displaying his ceramic plaques, bowls and forms. Susan Moxley lives next door at number 43. She specialises in printmaking but will also be displaying paintings, collages and jewellery inspired by the Mediterranean. Susan’s images are definitely contemporary, yet within most you will discover clear influences of the ancient world. She is also exhibiting in a group show at the nearby North Wall Gallery, entitled Drawing the Dance, Drawing the Image which is a series vibrant narrative drawings of works inspired by the moving dancer.

And if that is not enough you will find The Studio, in the adjoining Oakthorpe Place where several artists are displaying their work.

To celebrate the opening of the city Artweeks, the Summertown artists have organised a colourful street parade led by a Marching band on Saturday, May 21. They have also organised an Art Forum at 7pm, Wednesday May 25 at the University Museum, where Tim White will chair a discussion on Art in Hard Times.