VISITORS to Newport's indoor market will be able to view and buy the work of over 25 artists when the third Art in the Market takes place in May.

First held in 2001, the popularity of Art in the Market is now firmly established with artists of all levels and disciplines wanting to take part.

The market has also proved to be an ideal venue for exhibiting and has helped make art more accessible to the people of Newport.

Art in the Market is held in the upstairs gallery of the market, and over 200 pieces of art will be on display, including oil paintings, watercolours, silk-screen prints, ceramic sculpture, mixed-media, collage, photography, nail art and stained glass.

The majority of artists exhibiting in May are South Wales based, proving that there is a wealth of local and regional talent.

Current A-level and GCSE art students from St Joseph's RC High School, Newport, will also be displaying a variety of their work.

Organiser and photographer John Briggs said: "I organised the first Art in the Market last year as I wanted to create an informal venue for artists from Newport and beyond to exhibit and sell their work.

"The market is an unusual but lovely venue for exhibiting art and I would urge members of the public to come along and experience the many talents of the artists on show." The owner of Newport's highly rated GPF Gallery, Janet Martin, has praised the event. She said: "The venue and the event show a way forward for the arts.

"It places works of art in public place directly in front of people for their enjoyment as they get on with their everyday business.

"Art should be on show in the same way as fresh produce in the market." Art in the Market will take place on May 17 and 18, from 9am to 5pm. Admission is free and a lift for disabled access is available.