The philosophy behind the annual event is 'Art For Everyone, ' says Director Maria McMenamin of Eviva Ltd, who is also responsible for Art Ireland and the Dublin Art Fair.

"It is all about the enjoyment of art and getting people out there to see as much as possible; and encouraging young, contemporary artists as well, " she says.

"The Cork Art Fair provides a large venue where everyone is welcome. There is a lot of art under one roof and I think it provides a nice atmosphere in which to view and buy art. There's no pressure and there's no snobbery about it; it's just a really enjoyable way to buy art."

This year's list of exhibitors is impressive, with pieces from over 60 different artists and galleries on display.

Exhibits will include paintings, sculpture and photography from local artists, some big names around the country and notable international artists from Italy, Russia and Thailand.

Among the items attracting particular interest will be sculptures from Sandra Bell, photographs from Daragh Muldowney, and paintings from big names like Louise and Thelma Mansfield, and Kevin Sharkey.

Local Cork gallery, the Warren Gallery, will also be exhibiting with works from Sean Scully, Terry Bradley and up-and-coming artist Joby Hickey. Other local artists of note are Philip Gray, Georgina Harte and Geoffrey Crowe.

Maria McMenamin is keen to stress that this, like all of her events, is first and foremost about making quality, original art accessible to everyone. Prices will range from 150 for an original print to 20,000 for works from the bigger names.

"Whether you are looking for a landscape or you're looking for something modern or a piece of sculpture, it's all there, " she says.

"If you are interested in buying art it's important to educate your eye as much as possible and to see as much art as possible. This will give you an idea of prices and you will learn what you like, and become more aware of your own taste. It is also a great chance to meet artists and to talk to them about themselves and their work."

The mother-of-two, who left a career in software sales to enter the arts world, has been organising arts fairs since 2000 when she first launched Art Ireland.

"Art fairs are becoming an increasingly popular way to buy art, " she says.

"My first art fair in 2000 was a relatively small event but since then I've started up a second art fair in Dublin. Cork was started three years ago and I'm starting the Galway Art Fair this year. I've also noticed a big increase in the number of people attending the events."

Maria is running four events this year, five next year, and aims to increase this over time. She hopes to add a fair in Belfast in 2009 or 2010.

Meanwhile, crowds at the Cork event are expected to be up to 3,500 this year as the event gains in popularity.

"This year the key difference is that we've moved the Art Fair from the end of August to the end of September. I feel the change of date will benefit the event and that more people will attend, " says McMenamin.

Entry to the Cork Art Fair costs 10 per adult, 5 with concession and is free for children under 12. Entry fees include a free catalogue.

More details, including a full list of exhibitors, can be found on the Cork Art Fair website - www. corkartfair. com.

The website also offers an opportunity for art enthusiasts to register for the 'Art Card', which gives free entry to the Cork Art Fair, Galway Art Fair, Art Ireland, Art Ireland Spring Collection and Dublin Art Fair until the end of 2009.

Whether you are an avid collector or looking for a way to pass an afternoon, the Cork Art Fair will be well worth a visit.