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December 7, 2025

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

1C Commerce

Oxford Vintage and Trade Pop Up Shop Featuring Turkish Linens from Niche

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Oxford Vintage and Trade Announces Pop Up Shop Featuring Turkish Linens from Niche. Oxford Day: Saturday, April 22 from 10AM to 5PM.

It’s roughly 5,535 miles from Oxford, Md to the town of Denizli in Turkey. Thanks to Oxford Vintage and Trade, people won’t have to go that far to seek out the luxury linens for which the region is renowned. On Saturday, April 22, the shop’s owner, Barbara Ranson is hosting a one-day only pop up event featuring Niche’s artisan-crafted textiles made exclusively from 100% Turkish Aegean cotton.

“This is a gorgeous collection that will add that perfect pop of color for setting your table, lounging by the pool, cruising the Chesapeake and, of course, the beach,” says Barbara. “I’m thrilled to have Niche Gallery Group join us on Oxford Day.”

For centuries, Turkish linens have been revered for their superior absorbency, fast drying capabilities and signature style. Niche Gallery Group’s line of towels, robes,  napkins are made with extra long 100% Aegean Cotton fibers for long lasting, fade resistant linens. They are offered in several weights in a vast array of beautiful colors. They are also eco-friendly.

“Each piece in the line is inspired by our favorite places by the water from around the world,” adds Niche Gallery Group, President, Susan Somerville. “Of course, this includes Oxford which I’ve been visiting since I was a child. And, now I’m looking forward to sharing special items with this very special town.”

Since 2019, Oxford Vintage and Trade has been offering antiques, art, collectibles and other unique finds to customers. Barbara Ranson has become well known for her insight and research into the provenance of her ever-changing wares. She also currates special events at her store located at 202 Bank Street to showcase the works of local artists, jewelry makers and more throughout the year.

For more information about Oxford Vintage and Trade follow us on Instagram.

For more information about Niche Gallery Group, please visit: www.nichegallerygroup.com

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Oxford Picket Fences Benefit Local Nonprofits

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Golden Twilight Hour – Diane Evans

The Oxford Business Association has been supporting local nonprofits since 2007 with an auction of one-of-a-kind painted Picket Fences. Local artists from Oxford, St. Michaels, Easton, Centerville and Hurlock volunteered their time and talents to create these 4-picket sections of the iconic Oxford Picket fence, depicting life on the Eastern Shore. The fences will be on display throughout the town of Oxford for the entire summer, late April through early September. This year there are 14 fences, and each was created in support of a Talbot County nonprofit. On September 9th, the fences will be sold at auction at the Oxford Community Center. All proceeds from each fence will go to their respective nonprofit.

This project is meant to invite everyone to explore Oxford and its unique shops and restaurants, while allowing OBA to give back. This year the 14 partner organizations and artists are: Brookletts Senior Center (Diana Evans), CASA of the Mid-Shore(Sally Fronk), For All Seasons Behavioral Health and Rape Crisis Center (Stephen Walker), John Wesley Preservation Society and Museum (Louisa Zendt), Oxford Community Center (Pasquale DiLulio), Oxford Fire Dept (Diane Araps), Oxford FD Auxiliary (Martha Cole), Oxford Museum (John Tochko), Shore Rivers (Maggii Sarfaty), Sts. Peter and Paul School (2 fences, Erin Zimmerman, Jacqui Gosselin & student Ashley Reinoehl), Talbot Humane Society (Mark Montoya), Talbot Interfaith Shelter (Jen Schmidt), and Waters Methodist Church(Diana Evans

Visitors and locals alike are encouraged to come stroll the shady streets of Oxford and discover these little gems on display On September 9, all the fences will be on display at the Oxford Community Center for a reception and live auction. The OCC auditorium will be full of people vying for a chance to take one of these one-of-a-kind pieces of art home, for display in their gardens, on their porch or in their home. Many of the fences have artwork on both sides, so the successful bidder will get two original works of beautiful art!

In addition to being on display in Oxford for the summer, the Picket Fences will be promoted on the OBA website, https://portofoxford.com/ and on social media.  Anyone unable to attend will also be able to leave a proxy ‘left-bid’ on the website.

The Oxford Business Association works to promote the town of Oxford and to provide a positive business environment for its members to achieve cultural, civic, economic, and business goals and contribute to the prosperity and vitality of the Oxford community. Additional sponsors include the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry, Brinsfield Fence Co., Oxford Inn & Pope’s Tavern and the Oxford Community Center. Visit www.portofoxford.com for more information.

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Announcing Oxford Fine Artist 2023 Artists

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Susan Schauer John

The 39th annual three-day Oxford Fine Arts Show is set for May 19-21, 2023. The prestigious juried exhibit draws a wide selection of regional collectors as well as collectors from major cities along the Eastern Seaboard. The much-anticipated annual show is well known throughout the area and celebrated as the season’s “kick-off” for art lovers.  All submissions were sent anonymously to the juror who selected the much-anticipated list of artists for the year. The juror also selected a “featured image” to be the subject of the poster and is the honored “Featured artist”.  The competition was steep this year with many submissions for the small show kept to 36 artists. The OCC configures its gallery space to accommodate that limited number and find the show feels exquisite at that size.

The list of artists who were selected as the class of 2023 are as follows:

Sandra Alanko, Joel Boches, Carole Böggemann-Peirson, Naomi Clark-Turner, Cid Collins Walker, Erin Daniels, Lee DZmura, Lois Engberg, Mary Ford, Carla Huber, Mary Hunt-Miller, Holly Jackson, Kim Klabe, Kathy Kopec, Maryellyn Lynott, Mary Ellen    Mabe, Ingrid Matuszewski, Carol McClees, Laura McGowan, Karen Merkin, Michel Modell, Kimberly Nesci, Jose Ramirez, Diane Rappisi, Kathie Rogers, Steve Rogers, Ken Rose, Maggii Sarfaty, Susan Schauer John, Sheryl Southwick, Sharon Stockley, Jennifer Wagner, Stephen Walker, Heidi Wetzel, C. Keith Whitelock, and Juli Yensho.

The featured artist is Susan Schauer John.  The featured work of art is Susan’s piece entitled “Just Chillin”.

Susan Fay Schauer John was born to create. Her work is eye-catching, complex, dense, colorful, and beloved. Her detailed and often narrative paintings of fabric and thread draw the viewer into the work hoping for more and finding it.

“Just Chillin” by Susan Schauer John

In the late 1980s Susan turned her full attention to her art and has not looked back. She has had inspiration and recognition in many art forms, including woodturning, portraiture, and fiber arts. Her work has been exhibited and sold in galleries from Washington DC to San Francisco and she has work in the permanent collection of the White House. Living and painting in Talbot County, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Susan attracts clients from all over the United States. Susan’s current work is a suite of art pieces depicting wildlife found around the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. These “thread paintings” are free-hand sewn with English-designed fabrics and Italian cotton threads.

The juror for the 2023 show was Bernard Dellario.  Bernard is the current President of the Washington Society of Landscape Painters, the First-Place winner at Winslow Art Center’s 2021 Winter Exhibition and Best in Show winner from the Academy Art Museum 2019 Annual Member Exhibit. Bernard Dellario earned a bachelor’s degree from Kings College in Wilkes-Barre, PA with emphasis on finance and art history.  He studied Art at the Art League School in Alexandria, Virginia and attended several workshops with nationally known artists.  He has been a member of the Washington Society of Landscape Painters since 2003. Fondly known as WSLP, one of the oldest active artist organizations in the Washington area, Bernard currently serves as President.

The schedule of events for the weekend begins with the Friday Preview Party Gala. It provides attendees the only guaranteed chance to “Meet the Artists”, view the full exhibit and the first chance to buy the amazing art! This is a fun evening where attendees mingle with the artists and enjoy live music, cocktails and delicious hors d’oeuvres.  The award ceremony happens at the preview party gala as well. Tickets sell fast, so save-the-date for May 19th, 2023 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. There are no tickets offered at the door for Friday’s Preview Gala. On Saturday and Sunday, the exhibit is open to the public from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

The distinguished role of judge, who selects the award winners at the preview party, May 19, 2023, is John Brandon Sills. John Brandon Sills received his BA In Fine Art at Towson State University in 1984, while a student at Towson State John studied Renaissance Art in Florence, Italy. John then attended the Schuler School of Fine Art in Baltimore, Maryland, graduating in 1988. His paintings are in numerous collections in the United States as well as in Canada, England, France, Jamaica, Grand Cayman B.W.I. and Australia. Traditionally the prized awards are the Oxford Business Association Award for “Best Representation of Village Life”, Maritime Award, Artist Choice and Judges Choice.

Karen Walbridge, Chair of Oxford Fine Arts says, “I am excited about this year’s show. We have a wide variety of art from fiber to photography with a group of very talented artists some old and some new from near and far. I encourage everyone who loves art to come and see what they have to offer whether that is by attending the Preview Party or visiting over the weekend. You won’t be disappointed!”

Starting in April, there is an online raffle of beautiful artwork donated by the artists. You can buy raffle tickets online prior to the show and then over the weekend, the raffle continues in the physical exhibit. Both online and physical tickets are combined for the drawing. The raffle drawing happens at the end of the show on Sunday. You don’t need to be present to win. Saturday and Sunday lunch items are available onsite for purchase on both days. The famous strawberry shortcake is not to be missed!

The juried exhibit and sale have supported the work of Oxford Community Center (a non-profit 501(C-3), for 39 years to support OCC’s mission to provide the region with a year-round schedule of free or reduced educational, cultural and recreational programs and events.

For more information, please visit www.oxfordcc.org, or call 410-226-5904.  For more details on the featured artists Susan Shauer John, please explore her website at https://www.sfsfiber.art/.

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Ampersand Brings Colonial-Era Music to Free Community Concert in Oxford

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Easton-based folk and traditional string band Ampersand kicks off the fall music season with a free community concert at St. Paul’s Church, 225 S. Morris St. Oxford, MD on Thursday, September 8th at 7pm.

The four-member group brings guitars, banjo, mandolin, bouzouki, hammered dulcimer, mountain dulcimer, cello, penny whistles, percussion, and four-part harmony to this concert of songs and tunes from colonial America up to the Civil War period.

One of the band’s members, Beth Lawton, notes that many of the songs reflect a modern sensibility even when they use old-fashioned language.  She explains, “for example, Robin Adair is a song of unrequited love that echoes feelings that might be experienced by modern ghosting!”  Another member, Dick Hogle, describes an early song, “Rye Whiskey” as a perfect lullaby for easing his young daughter to sleep – even as the song tells of diving into a river of whiskey and drinking “ten thousands of bottles.”  With voice, various percussion instruments, newly-adopted cello, and penny whistles, multi-instrumentalist Topher Lawton focuses on even earlier tunes and songs, such as the lively “Sailor’s Hornpipe” (16th century) and energetic “Bear Dance” (15th century). Another multi-instrumentalist, Dave Moore keeps the band on the beat with his solid bass playing, joyful banjo tunes, and harmony singing.

Although many of the songs deal with the hardships of early colonial life and the ever-present alcohol use, misbehavior, and even death, the concert is deemed “family-friendly” and the whole group takes delight in sharing this music with a modern audience.

This group serves up a love of history through their music, and are happy when audience members singalong, ask questions, or come up afterwards to try out one of the instruments.

For more information, please go to Ampersand’s website.

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Oxford Fire Department Hosts 2nd Annual “Big Al’s Gone Fishin” Tournament

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Chooch Oristian of Doc’s Sunset Grille, Steve Riedel from Roto-Rooter Home Restoration, and Tom and Susan Campbell of Campbell’s Boat yard present the Oxford Volunteer Fire department a check for $8,000. From Left to Right: Firefighter Mark Ledford, Liza Ledford, Lieutenant Paul Callahan, President Tim Kerns, Chooch Oristian, Steve Riedel, Susan and Tom Campbell

On June 4th the Oxford Volunteer Fire Department along with Doc’s Sunset Grille, hosted the 2nd annual “Big Al’s Gone Fishin” tournament as a primary fundraiser for the department.  This tournament originated last year by the family of Alvin L. “Big Al” Ledford and was dedicated to his memory and for his love of fishing.  “Big Al” Ledford served his community for over 40 years as a volunteer member of the Oxford Fire Department and was well known throughout Talbot county.   Alvin served in numerous capacities throughout the department until his passing in January 2020.

This year $1,500 in cash prizes was paid to the lucky anglers and the tournament, along with the associated raffles and silent auction, raised over eight thousand dollars for our fire department.  These funds will be put to good use in that the department is simultaneously replacing two major pieces of apparatus that are at the end of their service life.  Engine 28 and Boat 20, both nearly 30 years old, are slated for retirement and will be replaced with updated and improved apparatus.  The new fire/rescue boat in particular will have significant operational and performance improvements over its predecessor.  The new boat will be significantly more capable to operate in severe weather and will have greatly improved capabilities during times of darkness with an onboard “night vision” system to safely navigate and search at night.  The new boat will be a multi-role asset performing on-water fire fighting, search, rescue, and water supply missions to support land-based apparatus.

The Oxford Fire Department would like to give a big “Thank You” to all who contributed items or services used in the tournament’s raffles and silent auction.   We would like to give a special thanks to the Tournament’s primary sponsors, Chooch Oristian of Doc’s Sunset Grille, Tom and Susan Campbell of Campbell’s boat yard and Steve Riedel from Roto-Rooter Home Restoration.  Doc’s Sunset grille not only provided the tournament’s base of operations and administrative support, but also donated 10% of their receipts for the entire day.  Campbells boat yard and Roto-Rooter Home Restoration contributed significantly towards the cash prize payouts and operating expenses.  The generous contributions of these sponsors made this tournament both possible and successful.  We look forward to seeing our local anglers again next year during the first weekend of June for the 3rd Annual “Big Al’s Gone Fishin” tournament.

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Oxford Picket Fences Benefit Local Organizations

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Since 2007, the Oxford Business Association’s (OBA) fall auction of these beautiful painted picket fences has been a highly anticipated event. Local artists from Oxford, Easton and St. Michaels have volunteered their time, talents, and creativity to produce colorful painted scenes on a 4-picket section of the iconic Oxford Fence representing Eastern Shore Life. These works of art will be auctioned, with all proceeds going to local charities and nonprofits. The fences are on display throughout the town of Oxford for the entire summer, late April through mid-September. This project is meant to invite everyone to explore Oxford and its unique shops and restaurants, while allowing OBA to give back. For many years, the OBA has supported area charities and nonprofits, and this year there are11partner organizations, and 12 fences (2 for the Oxford Volunteer Fire Co.) Each is represented by an artist and the auction proceeds for each fence will go to the represented organization.

Visitors and locals alike are encouraged to come stroll the shady streets of Oxford and discover these little gems on display. In 2020 Covid made it necessary to adjust plans and have a combined on-line and live auction. In 2021 there was no auction, but this year the fully in-person auction is back! On September 24, all the fences will be on display at the Oxford Community Center for a reception and live auction. The OCC auditorium is usually full of people vying for a chance to take one of these one-of-a-kind pieces of art home. In addition to being on display in Oxford for the summer, the Picket Fences will be promoted online at https://portofoxford.com/  Anyone unable to attend will also be able to leave a proxy ‘left-bid’ on the website.

This year participating artists, and the organization that will receive the proceeds of their fence sale are: Sally Fronk – CASA of the Mid-Shore; Sheryl Southwick – Chesapeake Multi-Cultural Resource Center, Maire McArdle and Steven Walker – For All Seasons Behavioral Health & Rape Crisis Center, Mary Ford(2 fences) – Oxford Community Center and Minorities in Aquaculture, Sue Betz – Oxford Garden Club, Louisa Zendt – Oxford Museum; Maggii Sarfaty – Shore Rivers; Cherry Dearie – Talbot Humane Society; Jenn Schmidt – Talbot Interfaith Shelter, Meryl Nolan and Pasquale DiLiulio – both for Oxford Fire Department.

The Oxford Business Association works to promote the town of Oxford and to provide a positive business environment for its members to achieve cultural, civic, economic, and business goals and contribute to the prosperity and vitality of the Oxford community. Additional sponsors include Sandaway Suites and Beach, Mystery Loves Company Booksellers, the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry, and the Oxford Community Center. Visit www.portofoxford.com for more information.

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Oxford Museum Now Accepting Nominations for the 2021 Douglas Hanks Jr. Oxford Preservation Award

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The Oxford Museum is now accepting nominations for the annual Douglas Hanks Jr. Oxford Preservation Award. The award was established in 2006 in memory and in honor of Doug Hanks, a lifetime Oxford resident who cherished the unique history of his hometown. He lent his considerable energies to the exploration of Oxford’s history and the preservation of the town’s heritage. The award recognizes extraordinary efforts made by individuals or groups to further preserve the unique history and heritage of the town and its surrounding area.

Qualifying activities for the award are:

Restoration and Renovation Projects
Outstanding Service in Preservation
Stewardship
Lifetime Contributions

Information and nomination forms are available on the website of the Oxford Museum: www.oxfordmuseummd.org. All nominations are due by April 30, 2022. The award will be presented at the June annual meeting of the museum membership.

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Oxford Museum Pays Tribute to Boatbuilder Eddie Cutts, Jr.

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Earlier this year Oxford lost one of its premier boatbuilders, Edmund A. Cutts, Jr.  Eddie learned the trade of wood boatbuilding from his father, Edmund Cutts Sr. at their Oxford shipyard, Cutts & Case, along with brother Ronnie.  Eddie’s passion for design and engineering was in his DNA.  He participated in registering several patents, including the Cutts Patented Method of boatbuilding, a double planked skin laid over simple set up molds. It solved several problems in boatbuilding and has been practiced by Cutts & Case in building and restoration since 1983.

The Oxford Museum pays tribute to Eddie Jr. with an exhibit in the Museum’s windows on display curated by Stuart Parnes, former President, Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and Director of Exhibitions & Interpretation at Mystic Seaport Museum.

The exhibit includes a beautiful, portrait photograph by Fred Stocker; the story of Eddie’s fascination with boatbuilding and motorcycles, and his accomplishments including international recognition from boatbuilders in Finland.  One window is dedicated to a 13-minute video by Laddavanh Walker of Eddie’s life in which he recounts his and his father’s passion and process for boatbuilding.

You can also see some of Eddie’s work firsthand at the Cutts & Case boatyard display, which includes vintage motorcycles and the restored motor yacht Foto, a 33-foot cedar chase boat that Morris and Stanley Rosenfeld used to photograph America’s Cup yachts in the Golden Age of Yachting. The video is also available for viewing on the Museum’s website: https://www.oxfordmuseummd.org/remembering-edward-cutts-jr/.

The Museum’s window exhibit will be available for viewing from now through mid-July.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Oxford Picket Fences Benefit Local Organizations

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For the past decade, the Oxford Business Association’s (OBA) fall auction of these beautiful painted picket fences has been a highly anticipated event. Local artists from Oxford, Easton and St. Michaels have volunteered their time, talents, and creativity to produce colorful painted scenes on each 4-picket section of the iconic Oxford Fence representing Eastern Shore Life. These works of art will be auctioned, with all proceeds going to local charities and nonprofits. The fences are on display throughout the town of Oxford for the entire summer. This project is meant to invite everyone to explore Oxford and its unique shops and restaurants, while allowing OBA to give back. For many years the OBA has supported area charities and nonprofits, and this year there are ten partner organizations. Each is represented by an artist and the auction proceeds for each fence will go to the represented organization.

Visitors and locals alike are encouraged to come stroll the shady streets of Oxford and discover these little gems on display. In the past, the project has cumulated with all the fences at the Oxford Community Center for a reception and live auction. The OCC auditorium is usually full of people vying for a chance to take one of these one-of-a-kind pieces of art home.  This year COVID-19 has made it necessary to adjust plans and the auction has moved online and outside. Now, more than ever these charities and nonprofit organizations need support from the community. OBA did not want to cancel the opportunity to support these important organizations and to also provide some enjoyment for locals and visitors. In addition to being on display in Oxford for the summer, the Picket Fences will be promoted online, with online bidding until September 25th at https://portofoxford.com/picket-fence-auction-2020/.  The fences will then be moved to the Oxford Community Center for an outdoor display and live auction (with social distancing and masks) to close out the project on September 26th.  Anyone unable to attend will also be able to leave a proxy ‘left-bid’ on the website.

This year participating artists, and the organization that will receive the proceeds of their fences sale are: Sally Fronk – CASA of the Mid-Shore; Louisa Zendt – Chesapeake Multi-Cultural Center; Kevin Garber – For All Seasons; Kate Huntington – John Wesley Preservation Society; Cid Collins-Walker – OCC; Marie Davis – Oxford Garden Club; Louisa Zendt – Oxford Museum; Maggii Sarafaty – Shore Rivers; Mark Montoya – Talbot Humane Society; Lisa Wendig – Tred Avon Jr. Sailing.

The Oxford Business Association works to promote the town of Oxford and to provide a positive business environment for its members to achieve cultural, civic, economic, and business goals and contribute to the prosperity and vitality of the Oxford community.  Visit www.portofoxford.com for more information.

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Oxford resident, James ‘Jimmy’ Jaramillo, announces his candidacy in the 2020 election for Oxford Town Commissioner. 

An Oxford resident since 1997, Jimmy has dedicated much of his life to serving the Oxford community and the Eastern Shore as a whole.  

“Oxford has always had a special place in my heart. After moving here from Philadelphia as a child, my family and I immersed ourselves in the community. I grew up playing t-ball at the old Oxford baseball field, was a camper at Oxford Kids Camp, and worked for several local businesses including The Oxford Inn and the Oxford Bellevue Ferry,” Jimmy explains.

These experiences cultivated deep-seated relationships with many locals and the community of Oxford that continue to exist today. Kathy Radcliffe, former Oxford Town Commissioner said, “I’ve known Jimmy and his family for twenty years. He exhibits integrity and good judgment. The best interests of the community are in his heart. Be sure and vote for this outstanding young man on September 15th!”  

Jimmy has extensive experience in the political arena, including aiding Delegate Johnny Mautz in his 2018 re-election campaign, as well as working with Senator Richard F. Colburn in Annapolis. Additionally, Jimmy has been a staunch voice for the residents of Oxford at town meetings, county council meetings, and testifying in front of several committees in Annapolis. Carole Abruzzese, former Oxford Town Commissioner, said “I have had the pleasure of knowing Jimmy for many years. His passion for public service is admirable and he has always been a voice for the community. Jimmy’s energy and excitement are exactly what this town needs.”

“If elected, I will focus on the issues that matter to my community. I will continue to advocate for watermen, agriculture, and small businesses in Oxford. I’ve spent the majority of my life as an Oxford resident. I have a deep understanding and passion for this small town that I have had the privilege to call home. I hope to have the honor of serving Oxford in this new role,” said Jimmy.

The election will take place on September 15th at the Oxford Town Hall.

https://talbotspy.org/88323-2/

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.