Arts

August in the Galleries at DCA

August 8, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Two exciting August exhibitions at Dorchester Center for the Arts.

Courtney Chan: Expanded Bouquet is featured in the front gallery. “Expanded Bouquet” is made of manually printed and hand-cut handmade paper elements carefully arranged in an unconventional self-portrait installation. Each object illustration represents a flower, gift, or memory in the ever-expanding bouquet of the artist’s life. States Chan, “this piece explores how building a collection of ordinary mementos can help shape one’s lifelong journey of learning to love oneself”. Chan is a paper cutting and printmaking artist based in Baltimore, MD. She holds a BFA in Printmaking from the Maryland Institute College of Art.

“Expanded Bouquet” by Courtney Chan

Geo Logos: Emily Martin is the feature of the main gallery. Geo Logos is a textile and sound installation created from a study of sedimentary rocks, its textural qualities, and its relation to the practice of silkscreen printing. These rock formations can document time and serve as footprints of the past by collecting and recording plant matter, vegetation, fossils, and weather elements through their layered variations of texture, composition, and thickness. In a similar manner, silkscreen printing holds the hand of the artist in its cloth, recording the layering of patterns and color interactions. This sensorial installation surrounds the viewer with textiles while listening to the sounds that lead to the surface patterns. Martin is a New York based weaver, installation artist, and textile designer. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fiber with a Concentration in Graphic Design from the Maryland Institute College of Art.

Both exhibits will continue through August 30. Gallery hours are Thursday – Saturday, noon – 6:00 p.m.

Dorchester Center for the Arts is dedicated to enriching Maryland’s Eastern Shore community through high quality, engaging programming in the visual, literary, musical, and performing arts. Visit online at www.dorchesterarts.org and on social media for the latest features and updates. Programs at DCA are supported by the Maryland State Arts Council.

New Exhibition to Feature Works from Photographer David Harp

August 8, 2020 by Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Leave a Comment

Forty years of images by documentary photographer David W. Harp will be on display this fall at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in a new exhibition titled Where Land and Water Meet: The Chesapeake Bay Photography of David W. Harp. Scheduled for Sept. 25, 2020 through Sept. 20, 2021, Where Land and Water Meet will be on view in CBMM’s Steamboat Building gallery, as well as in a virtual format.

Harp’s inspiration comes from exploring literal and figurative edges: shorelines, communities, habitats, and traditional worklife where culture and nature connect, creating the essence of what defines the Chesapeake. From dozens of black and white Tri-X film shots of legendary skipjacks including Rebecca T. Ruark and intimate portraits of captains and crew, to Kodachrome and Fujichrome images capturing marsh guts, waterfowl, and watermen at work, to more contemporary digital images documenting changing landscapes and lifestyles, Harp’s body of work represents a career spent immersed in the natural world, perfecting the art of observation.

A great blue heron shoots the gap between two stands of phragmites along the shore of the upper Choptank River.  Digital image, 2013. Photograph by David Harp.

“Dave Harp has a long and varied career, and his naturalist’s eye provides an unparalleled perspective on the interdependence of communities, land and water along the Chesapeake,” said Jenifer Dolde, Associate Curator of Collections. “His passion for the environment continually draws him to explore the Bay’s rivers, marshes and guts by kayak, on foot and by air, always revealing them in new ways.”

Where Land and Water Meet is presented thanks to the generous contributions of Diamond Sponsor Caroline Gabel; Platinum Sponsors Sandy & Omer Brown and H. Turney McKnight; Gold Sponsors Emma & Cullen Bailine and Finn & Jackson Falk, Meta & Billy Boyd, David M. Brown, Dorie & Jeff McGuiness, and The Bay Journal; and Silver Sponsors Posey & Bill Boicourt. Entry to the exhibition is free for CBMM members or with general admission.

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum officially reopened to the public at the end of June, with everyone on campus required to follow the Town of St. Michaels ordinance and wear facial coverings inside buildings at all times and outdoors when within six feet of other guests. For membership contactless entry, please renew or purchase CBMM memberships online at cbmm.org/membership. Additional information on CBMM’s enhanced health and comfort measures and operational changes for reopening can be found at welcome.cbmm.org.

Around the World – Summer Exhibit at Studio B Art Gallery

August 7, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Studio B Art Gallery is excited to announce that the gallery is now open to the public seven days a week. Just look for the open sign, we are either in the gallery or working in the upstairs studio. Ring the doorbell and bring a face covering.

We have new artwork from our award-winning studio artists. Stop by for our new summer-long exhibit “Around the World”. Many of the paintings on display are inspired by our studio artist’s travels near and far. Their work allows our gallery guests to visit destinations through art even when traveling is restricted and we are all practicing social distancing.

After the Rain 24×36 Oil by Betty Huang

The gallery artists include nationally and internationally known painters Hiu Lai Chong, Ken DeWaard, Qiang Huang, Master Jove Wang, Betty Huang, as well as sculptor Rick Casali. Throughout the summer, the art of these exceptional artists is available for viewing and purchasing during all gallery hours.

Visit us online at www.studiobartgallery.com. to view original paintings from Studio B Art Gallery online. You can purchase directly on the website or call to arrange a private viewing (443-988-1818). You can also send an email to Betty@studiobartgallery.com for more information.

Special Exhibition at The Trippe-“Les Petits Peintures en Plein Air”

August 7, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Twelve artists, twenty-five paintings. Twelve painters, well known locally and some recently in town for Plein Air Easton, have painted one or more small paintings for a special exhibition at The Trippe Gallery. “En plein air”, French for outdoors, is a method of painting that contrasts with studio painting or academic rules that might create a predetermined look.

“Under the Tent” by Nancy Tankersley

These 25 paintings feature a variety of subject matter and style from impressionistic realism to abstract, as well as medium, from oil to watercolor to egg tempera. The painting sizes are 4”x4” to 8”x10″. The artists participating are Olena Babak, Jill Basham, Zufar Bikbov, Stephen Griffin, Len Mizerek, Elise Phillips, Crista Pisano, Cynthia Rosen, John Brandonn Sills, Nancy Tankersley, Mary Veiga and Stewart White. As one artist said “ Small paintings are like potato chips-you can’t have just one!”

The featured artist for the month of August is John Brandon Sills. His landscapes depict a subtle elegance of a master’s touch of his art. Much to see in the gallery!

The exhibit will be open Saturday August 8 at 10am. The gallery hours are Monday/Thursday 12-4, Friday 11-5, Saturday 10-5:30. For more information, please call 410-310-8727 or visit the gallery website thetrippegallery.com for the images of both exhibitions.

Jazz is Alive with Bria Skonberg

August 1, 2020 by Chesapeake Music Leave a Comment

Trumpeter/vocalist Bria Skonberg is a remarkable force in the jazz scene—notorious for her “tradfusion” sound and steadily earning the reputation as Louis Armstrong’s modern-day counterpart.

And, thanks to the Easton-based non-profit Chesapeake Music, you can catch her in action, virtually, as part of their continuing series, “Jazz Is Alive.”

The free performance is available via Chesapeakemusic.org.

“We’re so delighted to have Bria join us on our virtual stage,” says Joe Fischer, Chairman of the Jazz Committee Chesapeake Music. “She’s got such an engaging personality and the musical talent to match!”

Skonberg’s specialty is old jazz—proven by her solid repertoire of 1900s to 1940s tunes—but her songs draw influence from a variety of genres, from blues to Dixieland to pop.

“I like to be influenced by what’s around me,” she said in a 2017 interview with Chesapeake Music. “That’s jazz. You listen and react.”

Described by Vanity Fair as “a millennial shaking up the jazz world,” Skonberg’s rising-star status was confirmed when she won the 2017 Juno Award for Jazz Vocal Album of the Year for her 2016 crowd-funded album, Bria.

“Basically, it’s a Canadian Grammy,” she explained. “It’s been a wild ride.”

Bria Skonberg

The trailblazing trumpeter has performed at more than a hundred festivals around the world, including New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, Newport Jazz Festival, and Montreal Jazz Festival—to name a few!

She graced the Avalon Theatre stage a few years ago, when she kicked off the 2017 Monty Alexander Jazz Festival with an expressive and lively performance. She fondly recalls her experience during her introduction to her virtual show.

“Driving into such a cute little city and having probably the best crab cakes I’ve ever had in my life,” she says, with a laugh. “And then taking that energy to the stage and meeting your fantastic, wonderful audience.”

Skonberg was slated to headline this year’s Monty Alexander Jazz Festival. Held annually over Labor Day weekend, the 2020 festival has been canceled. Still, she looks forward to her inevitable return—not only to meet with musicians and attendees alike, but, admittedly, for the crab cakes, too!

“We will undoubtedly be bringing Bria back to Easton for a live performance as soon as possible, but for now, let’s enjoy her wonderful music as best, and as safely, as we can,” Fischer says.

Skonberg takes the virtual stage with an introduction and engaging selection of songs that includes her newest music video “So Is The Day.“

To start listening, visit Chesapeakemusic.org.

Jazz is Alive!

July 22, 2020 by Chesapeake Music

Jazz on the Chesapeake is bringing the sweet sounds of music to your home with its virtual stage at Chesapeakemusic.org.

First up, it’s the amazing Monty Alexander. Considered one of the top five jazz pianists ever, Alexander’s musical expression combines elements of the blues, gospel, calypso, and reggae.

Monty Alexander. Photo credit: Joe Martinez

In a week or so, trumpeter/vocalist Bria Skonberg will grace the virtual stage. The Canadian-songwriter is steadily earning the reputation as Louis Armstrong’s modern-day counterpart.

Skonberg was slated to join Alexander as a headliner at this year’s Monty Alexander Jazz Festival. Held annually over Labor Day weekend, the 2020 festival has been canceled.

“Though we may not be together physically, we can still enjoy the music together,” says Joe Fischer, Chairman of the Jazz Committee Chesapeake Music.

Through August and beyond,enjoy a curated selection of past festival favorites, including Dominick Farinacci, the Anderson Twins (Will and Peter), Chuck Redd, and many more. Patrons can sign up via Chesapeake Music to receive email notifications whenever a new artist performance is available to watch.

Bria Skonberg. Photo by Christine Vaindirlis

So, settle in on the couch and tune in today to Alexander’s lively show in Beloise, Switzerland.

“Believe me, you will be impressed with this 59-minute production,” Fischer says, referring to the musician’s performance. “We’re thankful for your patience and support during this challenging time for the performing arts.”

To start listening, visit Chesapeakemusic.org.

Jazz on the Chesapeake is a program of Chesapeake Music.

Improv Returns to Easton for Two Summer Classes

July 22, 2020 by Spy Desk

Dan Brown of Reflex Improv is returning to Easton to offer two end-of-summer improv classes. Each class will run for five weeks on Fridays from July 31 and through August 28. Intro to Improv meets weekly from 6:00pm to 7:30pm; Storytelling with Improv meets 7:30pm to 9:00pm on the same evenings.

These summer classes will be held outdoors at a location in downtown Easton. Attendance is limited to 10 students for each class to ensure safe social distancing. The cost of each 5-week class is $125. Register with a friend and the cost of a class is $100 per person.

In Intro to Improv participants learn and practice the building blocks for creating improvisational scenes. These beginner classes include warm-ups to build camaraderie and exercises to inspire top-of-the-head thinking and creativity. Expect lots of laughter and lessons that can be applied to everyday situations at work and in other areas of life.

Storytelling with Improv, a more advanced class, is open to students who have completed at least one session of Intro to Improv. Building on the basics, participants will expand their skills by learning how to use storytelling techniques within improv scenes.

“I shut down in person improv classes when COVID-19 hit in the spring,” Brown says. “Many of my students hung in with me on Zoom. I was blown away by how much fun we had and how well improv translates on this online forum.”

L-R: Dan Van Skiver, Jeremy Hillyard, Nancy Andrew, Val Cavalheri, Howard Townsend, Tania Twilley (kneeling) and Heather Hall.

Brown adds, “I am so glad to bring in-person improv classes back to Easton. Some people tell me that they can’t do improv because they’re not funny. You don’t need to be a natural comedian to enjoy improv. Once you learn the fundamentals the fun will follow,”

The fundamentals of improv include the concept of “Yes – and,” which encourages everyone in a scene to listen to one another and find agreement. Two other improv fundamentals – “I’ve got your back” and making each other look good – encourage team work. “When everyone follows the process, funny happens.” Brown says.

Brown, who teaches in Virginia and Maryland, caught the improv bug while in college, performing in the school’s short-form and sketch program, acting in school and community plays, as well as writing, directing, and starring in many comedy short films. After moving to the Washington, DC area, he took a free workshop at Washington Improv Theater and fell in love with the joy and freedom of long-form improv. His approach to teaching is positive, encouraging, joyful, fast-paced, and, most of all, fun.

Nancy Andrew of Easton took her first improv class with Brown in 2018 and has been playing ever since. “Dan is a great teacher! He encourages us to have fun while we learn. He reminds us that we can’t do it wrong. Improv has helped me be more creative, develop my listening skills, and be more fully present. I have made friends with people I may never have met by having fun with them in improv class.”

Andrew adds, “The Easton improv class had been meeting in person with Dan for almost a year when COVID-19 hit. We did shows together with his other students in Annapolis and even met on our own to practice between formal sessions. We were making plans to do a local show when we had to stay home due to the virus.”

Linda Mastro, one of the Easton improv players, says, “When Nancy invited me to an improv class I was nervous that I wouldn’t get it ‘right’ or be funny or smart enough to follow along. My nervousness left within the first five minutes because Dan Brown is a master at making newcomers feel welcome. My weekly improv class is often the only time – especially during these unsettling COVID days – when I can put aside worries and responsibilities and just have fun!”

Jeremy Hillyard, another Easton improv regular, says, “I truly enjoyed meeting and connecting with a group of complete strangers through laughter, something that just makes life better. I also noticed that improv has made me a quicker thinker and a better listener and communicator. As a high school teacher, I have been able to incorporate a variety of philosophies and games from improv class into my Spanish classroom.”

Hillyard adds, “I really appreciate how Dan has been gracious enough to offer outdoor improv classes in Easton so we can continue honing our improv skills while staying healthy. At all of our outdoor sessions our group practices social distancing by using cones to keep at least six feet between us in our improv circle. I would definitely recommend that everyone try out a class!”

To register for the Easton outdoors improv classes, visit www.refleximprov.com. On the Reflex Improv website you can also find information about Zoom online classes that Brown is offering in July and August. The online class topics include Intro to Improv, Patterns and Analogous Scenes, and Intro to Comedic Podcasting.

Delmarva Review Announces New Cover

July 21, 2020 by Delmarva Review

Delmarva Review, Volume 13 Image: “Cedar Island Watch House” by Jay P. Fleming

Delmarva Review literary journal unveiled the cover for its thirteenth annual edition, to be published in the fall. The publication’s editorial board unanimously selected “Cedar Island Watch House” by photographer Jay P. Fleming for the new edition. The selection is from an open competition of photographers and artists from the Chesapeake region.

“Jay Fleming’s striking image conjures up stories visually that complement the review’s compelling prose and poetry, writing that will live beyond our lifetimes,” said Wilson Wyatt, executive editor. “We’re pleased to be able to select our cover art from the substantial work of regional artists.”

The image reveals a seaman’s watch house on wooden pilings raised above the Atlantic’s surf on Cedar Island, near Wachapreague, Virginia. The scene reflects the sunset and a rising sea. The house has since fallen to nature’s strength, swallowed by the sea.

This is Fleming’s third cover for the Delmarva Review. Other outstanding covers in the last five years have been created by regional photographers Cal Jackson and George Merrill.

Fleming is a professional fine art photographer who credits learning his craft from three key sources, his dogged self-persistence, a strong interest in environmental conservatism, and the tutelage of his photographer father, Kevin Fleming, another highly skilled professional artist and former National Geographic photographer.

With a studio in Annapolis, Jay Fleming’s images have been featured in magazines, books, and exhibited in fine art galleries throughout the Chesapeake Bay region. His first book of photography Working the Water (2016) is in its third printing. A second book, Island Life, is scheduled for 2021. He graduated from St. Mary’s College majoring in economics.

The thirteenth edition of Delmarva Review, about 300 pages, will feature original new fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction by more sixty authors from across the United States and several other countries. Many are from the tri-state region of Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia.

Delmarva Review is published in print and digital editions by the Delmarva Review Literary Fund, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization encouraging writers of outstanding new literary work at a time when many commercial publications are closing their doors. The journal is supported by individual contributions, sales, and a grant from the Talbot County Arts Council with funds from the Maryland State Arts Council.

The review welcomes compelling new literary submissions from all writers. The submission period is open from November 1 to March 31. Cover art entries can be sent at that time, as well. Please see the website for guidelines and subscriptions: www.DelmarvaReview.org.

The FREE Virtual Chesapeake Film Festival Announces a Sneak Preview of Its 2020 Line-up

July 12, 2020 by Chesapeake Film Festival

The pandemic can’t stop the Chesapeake Film Festival from giving our valued film enthusiasts and supporters another fabulous cinema experience in 2020. At NO COST to you, you’ll receive a four-day All Festival pass to watch any or all of 45 films selected from more than 200 submissions. It’s our gift to film lovers in our community, and beyond. Because we’re virtual, you can watch the films anywhere in the world. All we ask is that you consider a contribution to offset our expenses.

We’re bringing you an explosion of cinematic flavors, including dramas, comedies, environmental concerns, emerging artists, Maryland-made films, fascinating documentaries and pulsating animations.

Right in your living room, engage in the fun, heartbreak, intellectual stimulation and edification of films like these:

Narrative Features:

About Us –In an effort to rekindle their troubled marriage, a young couple revisits the location where they spent their honeymoon eight years earlier. They navigate the beauty and the pain of love, culminating in a heartbreaking finale as truths are revealed. The ending will amaze you!

Unarmed Man –Civil unrest erupts after a police officer shoots and kills an unarmed black man during a routine traffic stop. Forced to give a statement, the officer recounts his version of events in a scathing examination of racial profiling, fear, prejudice and violence.

Narrative Shorts:

A Piece of Cake— When a desperate father discovers his daughter’s favorite cake decoration is illegal, he descends into a confectionary black market. Now he must make the ultimate parenting choice: break a birthday promise or break the law?

Wake Up

Wake Up–In a short film directed by Olivia Wilde, Margaret Qualley stars as a woman awakened to a world she doesn’t recognize, one where people are more engaged with screens and devices than with each other. She sets out on a journey to find connection in a disconnected world and relearns what it means to be human.

Documentary Features:

City On the Hill – Tech giant Google has pledged $1 billion dollars to build more housing in the Bay Area, which has the third largest homeless population in the U.S. at more than 28,000 people. Civil rights leaders, politicians, Bay Area natives, and small business owners provide their perception of the realities of gentrification in San Francisco, home to the highest housing costs in the country.

Emanuel — National headlines blazed the story: Churchgoers Gunned Down During Prayer Service in Charleston, South Carolina. After a 21-year-old white supremacist opened fire in Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, nine African Americans lay dead. Featuring intimate interviews with survivors and family members, Emanuel is a poignant story of justice and faith, love and hate, examining the healing power of forgiveness.

International Shorts:

Ashmina

Ashmina, United Kingdom–Ashmina, 13, lives with her family at the outskirts of Pokhara Nepal, paragliding capital of the world. She skips school to help her family make ends meet by working at the landing field, packing the parachutes of foreign pilots in return for small change. A larger than usual tip leads her to question fundamental aspects of her life.

Musician, Iran – Mahmoud is a very, very short man about one meter tall who wishes to play a two-meter high instrument — a Contrabass.

Environmental Features:

The Life and Legend of Jane Goodall– In the summer of 1960, 26-year-old Jane Goodall set out for Africa. Her mission was to find and observe an elusive tribe of chimpanzees. Today, Jane has grown from a stranger to the chimp’s local friend and strongest ally.

Unbreathable: The Fight for Healthy Air

Unbreathable: The Fight for Healthy Air – Over the past fifty years, there has been major progress in significantly reducing air pollution across the nation thanks to the Clean Air Act. However, asthma continues to be the number one health issue for children and nearly half of all Americans across the country today are still impacted by unhealthy levels of air pollution.

Animation Programs:

Lost Cat

Lost Cat –A girl travels through a surreal environment to catch her escaped cat. From “Sweaty Eyeballs 2019 Baltimore Showcase.”

Les Animaux Domestiques

Les Animaux Domestiques, France — Mr. and Ms. Archibald adopt by turns a dog, a cat, a fly, a toad and a moth. But they do not know anything about animals.

Athleticus: Course de demi-found, France– Animals compete in summer sport games.

Check chesapeakefilmfestival.com for more information or call Nancy Tabor, Executive Director at 443-955-9144. Schedule of films is subject to change.

The Chesapeake Film Festival is generously supported by the Maryland Film Office, Maryland State Arts Council, Talbot County Arts Council, Talbot County Department of Tourism, Artistic Insights Fund, Shared Earth Foundation, Richard and Beverly Tilghman and The Ravenal Foundation. Funding has also been provided to the Chesapeake Film Festival from Maryland Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) as part of the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020.

Oxford Welcomes PAE Artists!

July 10, 2020 by Spy Desk

The Oxford Community Center is excited to welcome the artists of Plein Air Easton!

The Town of Oxford and Oxford Business Association partnered with the Oxford Community Center to produce an educational series offering instruction from these most talented PAE artists. These sponsors made it possible to invite the artists to participate and spend time enjoying all that Oxford has to offer while capturing the beauty of the special town. The demonstrations will take place all three days from Monday, July 13^ththrough Wednesday July 15^th at noon and 2:00pm. Two demonstrations per day allows for an exceptional learning experience.

“Being able to offer such unique education, while these internationally award winning artists are in town, was such a special opportunity for us.” says Liza Ledford, Director of the Community Center. “The realization that we could create meaningful interaction for our community, up close and personal, with these extraordinary artists was wonderful. Of course not closer than 6’, but fantastic learning in small groups, outside.”

“The Yankee Pedler Education Series”, is presented in memory of Larry Murray. “Yankee Pedler” is the miniature skipjack that resides in front of the Oxford Community Center, on loan from the Oxford Museum. She is one of a kind, as was Larry. The Demos will take place at her side. Larry Murray and his wife, Dorette, lovingly and tirelessly preserved the historic vessel, with all the elbow grease and sweat wooden boats require, until his recent passing. He was an exceptional friend, neighbor, volunteer and exemplary role model; a truly irreplaceable person. The demonstration classes are:

MONDAY, July 13

12-1:30pm

John Schisler, Georgetown DE (johnschisler.com) oils/acrylics; new to PAE this year; Signature Member: National Oil and Acrylic Painter’s Society; Award of Excellence (NOAPS); Best in Show: Ocean City Center for the Arts 2019

2pm-3:30pm

John Brandon Sills, Cockeysville MD (johnbrandonsillsfineart.com) oils; 14th year juried into PAE; Grand Prize: PAE 2014; Award of Excellence: Laguna Beach Plein Invitational; Third Place: PAE 2015

TUESDAY, July 14

12-1:30pm

Neal Hughes, Medford NJ (nealhughes.com) oils; elected fellow: American Society of Marine Artists; First Place and Artists’ Choice: Cape Ann Plein Air; Gold Medal: OPA Eastern Regional Exhibition

2pm-3:30pm

Stewart Burgess White, Easton MD (stewartwhitestudios.com) watercolors; 12th year juried into PAE; signature artist: Laguna Plein Air Association and American Watercolor Society; Grand Prize: PAE 2009 and Olmstead Plein Air Invitational 2016

“Pratt St” by Stewart White

WEDNESDAY, July 15

12-1:30PM

Philip Carlton, St. Paul MN (pacarlton.com) oils; new to PAE this year; First Place: Plein Air on the Yellowstone 2017, 2019; featured artist in PleinAir magazine Oct/Nov 2017; Best Atmospheric Perspective: Plein Air Grand Marais 2019

2-3:30PM

Olena Babak, Hartfield ME (olenababak.com) oils; 5th year juried into PAE; First Place: Hudson River Plein Air 2019; Best Nocturne and Second Place: Adirondack Plein Air 2019; featured artist in PleinAir magazine June/July 2019

In addition to the demonstrations, each evening from 4:00-8:00 PM, the PAE artist will exhibit their artwork created that day in Oxford. Roughly ten different artists will be painting around Oxford each day. An award ceremony happens live each night at 5:00 pm at the OCC. The judge in Oxford all three evenings is Bernie Dellario. He is currently President of the prestigious Washington Society of Landscape Painters, is on the faculty of the Academy Art Museum, and received “Best in Show” at the 2019 members’ exhibit there. Bernie has received numerous plein air awards of importance and has been included in multiple selected exhibitions. He has been selected to judge the Ocean City Plein Air event in August.

“When the PAE artists come to town we are thrilled with the art they generate from their time spent in Oxford. Now, with respect for the coronavirus, they paint over three days. For me, it offers three days of anticipation instead of one! We will be on pins and needles waiting to see who wins the award at 5:00 pm each evening.” exclaims Ledford.

The exhibits are free and open to the public between 4:00 – 8:00 PM. All visitors are recognized as attending on their own volition. Masks are required as is social distancing. OCC is committed to following the safety practices offered in the CDC guidelines and take the health of the community as utmost importance. The alcoholic beverages will be credit cards only, and non-alcoholic beverages will be free self-serve to reduce touch points.

The six demonstrations require $20 pre-registration.For more information, please visit oxfordcc.org or contact the Oxford Community Center at 410-226-5904, email oxfordcc@verizon.net. Sign up for OCC’s weekly e-newsletter for additional announcements and updates or like OCC’s Facebook page at Oxford Community Center, Inc. The Community Center is a non-profit 501(c)3. The OCC is always open online at www.oxfordcc.org.

Plein Air Easton is the work of the Avalon Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to foster a strong community on the Eastern Shore by creating accessible, uplifting arts, education, and cultural experiences that appeal to the interests of a diverse population and to ensure the long term viability of the historic Avalon Theatre.

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