For 35 years, Fine Arts at Oxford has been the Oxford Community Center’s biggest, most visible event. Roughly 1,000 people come to Oxford over the weekend from throughout the state, Washington, DC, and the region to see over 40 juried artists exhibit and sell their Fine Art. The competition was steep this year with 24% more applicants (than 2018) and 13 artists new to the festival gaining acceptance. 27% of the applicants were turned away. Every year there is a fresh, yet consistently high quality show for art enthusiast.
The juried artists for 2019 are David Aiken, Norm Bell, Paula S. Bell, Christopher Best, Joel Boches, Carole Boggemann-Peirson, Jean Bowers, Katie Cassidy, Mary Clark Confalone, Heather Crow, Geraldine Czajkowski, Ned Ewell, Rhonda Ford, Jill Glassman, Stephen J. Griffin, Rae Hamilton, George Hamilton, Angela Herbert-Hodges, Debra Howard, Kim Klabe, Kathy Kopec, Mary Ellen Mabe, Nancy McIntyre, Diane DuBois Mullaly, Betty Papson, Paul Passano, William Patterson, Mary Pritchard, Jim Rehak, Steve Rogers, Ken Sadler, John Schisler, Nick Serratore, Sharon Stockley, Nancy Thomas, Mary Veiga, Betsy VonDreele, Jen Wagner, Cid Walker, Meg Walsh, Nancy West, Keith C. Whitelock. Barbara Zuehlke.
The Oxford Community Center is pleased to announce that “Ten Kids”, by award winning artist Christopher Best, was selected as the 2019 Oxford Fine Arts featured artist and painting. Observation and imagination are the basis of Christopher’s works, and “Ten Kids” is a clear example of their application.
Christopher began his artistic career at Savannah College of Art and Design and has continued painting in the “plein air” method where he learned to use time in addition to observation and imagination, in the construction of his scenes. Continuing his instruction with various artists and workshops at the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., he was particularly inspired by the paintings of American Life by George Bellows.
Chris’s unique technique using bold brush strokes and thick applications of paint create a natural, unapologetic reflection of his subject matter and the emotion it creates. “Ten Kids” is no exception. The painting reveals depths of color within a distinct palette. Prior to the Oxford Fine Arts show May 17 – 19th, Chris’ work can be viewed at christopherbestfineart.com
The weekend kicks-off with the gala preview event Friday, May 17th at 6:00 p.m. consisting of heavy hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and the main attraction of meeting the artists and gaining a sneak peak and sale of the artwork. Saturday, May 18th the exhibit is open 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 19th resumes at 10:00 a.m. but concludes at 4:00 p.m. Light lunch and refreshments will be offered, including famous homemade strawberry shortcake both days. The Juried exhibitors are available during all open hours for conversation and demos. There are also raffle drawings of artwork generously donated by the exhibiting artists and a “toast of bubbly” to wrap each day.
It is truly an exciting event and generates critical revenue, which allows OCC to offer free and low cost programs throughout the year. One of the keys to Fine Arts at Oxford’s success is the support of sponsors to help underwrite the event, making the money raised by the event go directly towards serving our greater community. We thank our presenting sponsors so far, Doc’s Sunset Grille, 1880 Bank, Kinetik, Forever Media and Attractions Magazine.
Tickets for the preview gala are $80. Saturday and Sunday are $7. For more information on sponsor opportunities, or to purchase tickets, please contact the Oxford Community Center at 410-226-5904, or email [email protected], or visit our www.oxfordcc.org. Sign up for OCC’s weekly e-newsletter for additional announcements and updates and like OCC’s Facebook page at Oxford Community Center, Inc.
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