The 39^th 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 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. Submissions open October 1st, 2022.

One of the reasons the exhibit stays fresh year after year is the juror.  All submissions are sent anonymously to the juror who selects the exhibitors and announces the much-anticipated list of artists for the year. The juror also selects a “featured image” to be the subject of the poster and is the honored “Featured artist”.

The juror for the 2023 show is 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. He teaches painting classes through several venues, has won national awards and exhibits throughout the Maryland Eastern Shore and Washington, DC regions.

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 collections in Canada, England, France, Jamaica, Grand Cayman B.W.I. and Australia.

The juror is tasked with keeping a high-quality measure while also curating a diverse number of mediums, while the judge is charged with honoring winning artists with “best of” awards in various categories for the year.  Karen Walbridge, Event Chair, says, “We are very excited to welcome our new juror, Bernie Dellario, who will bring his skill as a talented and renowned artist, as well as his discerning eye when it comes to selecting our group of very talented artists and craftsmen for this year’s Oxford Fine Arts. We are also thrilled to announce that John Brandon Sills will be our judge for our special awards this year.  It is going to be an exciting time and I look forward to seeing who this year’s group of artists will be!”

The schedule of events for the weekend begins with the Friday Preview Party. It provides attendees the chance to “Meet the Artists”, view the exhibit and buy art! This has always been a fun evening where attendees mingle with the artists and enjoy cocktails as well as delicious hors d’oeuvres while getting first looks at the art. Tickets sell fast, so save-the-date for May 19^th, 2023. There are no tickets offered at the door on Friday night.

On Saturday and Sunday, the exhibit is open to the public from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The raffle of beautiful artwork donated by the artists happens at the end of the show. 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), since the early 1980’s 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, and to apply as an exhibiting artist, visit oxfordcc.org Submissions open October 1^st until Dec. 31^st, 2022.

For more information, please visit www.oxfordcc.org, or call 410-226-5904.

Ongoing Weekly Fitness Classes

Mon, 1-2:15pm; Yoga with Suzie Hurley, Advanced beginners, $20/class, 10 classes for $150

Sat, 9:30-11am; Yoga w Suzie Hurley, Intermediate, $20/class, 10 classes/ $150

Tues-Thurs, 10am; Steady & Strong w/ Janet Pfeffer, $10/class 10/$80

Late September 2022

Thursday, September 22^nd, 5:30pm

Guest Speaker- Muralist, Michael Rosato https://michaelrosato.com/

In honor of Frederick Douglass Day, meet the artist and learn how he does it.

Friday, September 23, 5-7pm, $10

Patio Concert featuring HONEY SOL performing Funk, Rock, R&B, based out of Annapolis. Bring a chair, snacks and enjoy the evening!$10, cash bar

Saturday, September 24, 5pm

Picket Fences Auction, free with cash bar

See and bid on your favorite fence, designed by a local artist. The auction benefits 12 area non-profits. ONLINE Proxy Bidding is NOW OPEN at portofoxford.org

2 Wednesdays, Sept 21 & 28, 10-12:30, $75/student, register online.

Block Printing with Sheryl Southwick
(Additional $15 materials fee, pay Sheryl at class)

Over the course of these two sessions, Sheryl will explain the process and guide you towards completing a finished print. This versatile printing technique has ancient roots, and many applications; finished art, posters, notecards and more.

Thursday, September 29, 5-7pm, $10

Patio Concert, Michael Waskey Duo, Singer, songwriter, folk, Americana

Bring your own chair and snacks, enjoy the sunset!, $10, cash bar

OCTOBER 2022

Saturday, October 2, 8:30-10:30am

Cars and Coffee, free

Saturday, October 8, 5pm

Chris Noyes Happy Hour Harvest Concert, $15 per person

Live music provided by Chris Noyes highlight our celebration of autumn and bounty. Offered in partnership with the Oxford Museum’s SmithsonianCrossroads Program, highlighting the change in rural America. Local quiltmakers will display their works as well.

Wednesday, Oct 9, 7-9pm, $50 per person

Full Moon Ferry Ride on the Oxford Ferry

Enjoy the beautiful night sky on the Tred Avon! Enjoy heavy hors d’ouerves and an open bar as you gaze upon the moonlit water.  Tickets at oxfordcc.org.

Tuesday, October 11, 5:30–6:30pm, free with cash bar

Blair Hope, Dog Whisperer and Wendy Grubbs share secrets to healing and communicating with your pets. Maybe you will go home with a new adopted senior dog. Find out more at Blairhope.com; wendybrescue.com

Wednesday, Oct 12,10-12:30, $38/student, register online

Monotypes with Sheryl Southwick

(Additional $10 materials fee, pay Sheryl at class). Using a variety of inks and paints, learn how to use natural forms to create exquisite designs. Every piece is one of a kind.

Thursday, October 135:30–6:30pm, free with cash bar

Speaker Program – Tot O’Mara and Bill Eason

Tractor and sunflowers out front! Offered in partnership with the Oxford Museum’s Smithsonian Crossroads Program, highlighting the change in rural America.

Thursday, October 20^th 5:30-6:30pm, free with cash bar

Securing Your Digital Life w/tech expert Brian Wells

Brian Wells, an Oxford resident and healthcare information technology and security executive will address the spectrum of day-to-day digital security, web-based accounts and smartphone security, how to avoid viruses and what methods to use to protect us from attack.

Saturday, October 22, 9am

Annual 5k Run/Walk for Mental Health

Come join us at the Oxford Community Center as we partner with the Christopher Foundation for Life to present our 2nd Annual 5k Run and 1-Mile Walk for Mental Health. Register at https://oxfordcc.org/5k-for-mental-health/; or https://runsignup.com/occ5kformentalhealth

Wednesday, Oct 26, 10-12:30, $38/student, register online

Paper Collage with Sheryl Southwick

(Additional $10 materials fee, pay Sheryl at class)

There is no limit to creativity in collage. Photos, greeting cards, magazine clippings, as well as papers of all kinds; foil, tissue, rice paper, and more can be combined together to something extraordinary and uniquely yours.

Oct 27-Nov 6, times vary

Tred Avon Players present Savannah Sipping Society, tredavonplayers,org

NOVEMBER 2022

Saturday, November 5, 8:30-10:30am

Cars and Coffee, free, last one of the season!

Thursday, November 10, 5:30pm, free, cash bar

Speaker Series, Leo Nollmeyer and Al Smith

Presented in partnership with the Oxford Museum, The Canning Industry in Oxford features the history of this enterprise and how it has evolved over the years. Eastern Shore resident historians Leo Nollmeyer and Al Smith will present an interesting and entertaining program.

Saturday, November 12, 10am-4pm

Model Boat Show and Family Fall Festival, free

The OCC’s Model Boat Show has become an annual attraction for families, boat lovers, sailors and modelmakers. Dozens of modelmakers are on site showing off their exquisite craftsmanship! Join us for a fun autumn day of model boats, food, music, activities for kids and more!

Saturday, November 19

80’s Murder Mystery Dinner & Dancing, 5:30-9:00pm $75

“A meal to die for”, come on your 80’s best to help solve the murder mystery, enjoy delightful cuisine and tap your toes to the unique 80’s sound. You know you’ll love it…!

Wednesday, November 30^th 6:00-8:00pm, free, cash bar

Anniversary Festivities Continue –

OCC has been creating a spectacular documentary film on the history of our building, from its early days as a school to the gorgeous community center we all enjoy today. Interviews and footage reveal the upswell of public determination to restore the building to its glorious original state. This event will recognize the community leaders involved, debut the film in its entirety, and launch a permanent exhibit chronicling the historical restoration.

Ongoing Weekly Fitness Classes
Mon, 1-2:15pm
Yoga with Suzie Hurley, Advanced beginners, $20/class, 10 classes for $150

Sat, 9:30-11am
Yoga w Suzie Hurley, Intermediate, $20/class, 10 classes/ $150

Tues-Thurs, 10am
Steady & Strong w/ Janet Pfeffer, $10/class 10/$80

Upcoming Events by Month: August-September 2022

August 2022

Tuesday, August 2, 5:30pm, free
Speaker Series, Bryan Christy, a Talbot County resident, author, and investigative journalist. Bryan testified before Congress and has lectured for journalism programs around the world. Co-sponsored with Mystery Loves Company.

In Bryan’s own words: “For my talk I’ll speak about what it means to lead a life of exploration, places I’ve been, criminals I’ve worked to stop, species I’ve tried to help. I pioneered something called Results-oriented Reporting as a way of bringing together my background in law, accounting, criminal investigation, and storytelling in ways that effect change. That work resulted in police raids on Vatican City, the defrocking of a pedophile monsignor in the Philippines, the arrest and prosecution of the Pablo Escobar of Wildlife trafficking in Malaysia, the takedown of rhino ring in South Africa, and the end of China’s ivory industry, saving tens of thousands of elephants. 

I ended my career as a journalist in part because the mechanisms a journalist counts on–a well-functioning government, objective law enforcement, America’s international clout, unbiased journalism–all came tumbling down at once, making the United States the least stable country I know. I’m home now because that’s where the problems are”. 

“I’m a huge fan of your work, said Daily Show’s Trevor Noah about our speaker. After listening to him, you will be a fan as well. Author, explorer, and investigative journalist Bryan Christy will talk about his amazing life, and how his work has changed the rhino, elephant, and reptile industry. He will also discuss his latest book “In the Company of Killers.”

Bryan is the founder and former director of National Geographic Special Investigations and a National Geographic Society Rolex Explorer of the Year. He worked as a writer and chief correspondent for National Geographic Magazine, an Explorer Series television host, a documentary filmmaker, speaker, and educator. 

Saturday, August 6, 8:30am
Cars and Coffee, free
Stroll and chat amongst beautiful finishes and engines.

August 18-28, Times vary
Tred Avon Players present Camelot, visit tredavonplayers.org for more information and to buy tickets.

September 2022
Saturday, September 3, 8:30-10:30am
Cars and Coffee, free
See the cherries, the projects, and the vintage rides!

Saturday, September 3, 8:30-11:30am
Art Show featuring Local Artists, free
Outside by the Yankee Pedler, meet the artists and explore the exhibit and sale!
(In honor of Larry Murray for his dedication to the OCC Arts and Yankee Pedler)

Saturday, September 3, 8:30-11:30am
Community Open House
Come learn about many local non-profit organizations, meet friends, neighbors and sign up to get more involved.

Saturday, September 3, 7pm, $35
Fabulous Hub Caps, concert
Join us at the OCC for a fun night of oldies and goodies!
Dance, listen, and enjoy your favorite hits with friends!
Nibbles, cash bar.

Saturday, September 10, 8:00am, $125/car
3rd Annual Road Rally
Classic and Vintage cars preferred. Special interest modern cars will be accepted.
Enjoy your special car navigating over 70 miles of scenic roads with a minimum of traffic. $125 per car, includes lunch for the driver and one passenger. All offers to help will be appreciated! Interested in volunteering? For more info visit oxfordcc.org

Saturday, September 10, 6pm, Shore Shakespeare, free with cash bar
Sunday, September 11, 3pm, Shore Shakespeare, free with cash bar

Visit shoreshakespeare.com for more info.

Saturday, September 24, 5pm
Picket Fences Auction, free with cash bar
See and bid on your favorite fence, designed by a local artist. This years’ selections are particularly fun and unusual! The fence below was painted by Mary Ford.

For more info contact; [email protected] or [email protected]. Visit oxfordcc.org to learn more, new events are added weekly.

2022 marks forty (40) years of the Community Center’s life as an independent non-profit organization. The accomplishment is due to the passion and dedication of the residents of Oxford and all who have supported the Center through the years.  The history is unique and illustrates the strong vision and resolve of the village population. It is also the tenth (10) year anniversary of the major capital campaign renovations.

The building was in disrepair in the late 1970’s after the elementary school closed. The town Commissioners considered many options for the building, but after exhaustive efforts, they decided to have the building demolished. In January of 1980, the decision was announced and the residents of Oxford rallied against it. A committee was formed to “Save Our School” (S.O.S.) and hit the pavement knocking on doors to gather signatures to petition the Town’s decision. This heart fueled effort created the flurry of support needed to succeed. Within six months, the committee secured an agreement with the Town of Oxford as well as the Talbot County Council to take possession of the building. She was saved from the wrecking ball.

This was the beginning of a long road ahead.  With the building came the responsibility of fulfilling the original intent of the S.O.S Committee and all of the people who signed the petition and worked so hard to make the Community Center come to life. The mission was clear; events and programs had to be open to the public, and the operations had to be self-sustaining. Every effort moved forward with vigor to provide meaningful and enjoyable activities and fill the halls with vibrancy. The first two solid offerings were the theatre productions, now known as Tred Avon Players and Oxford Kids Camp.

By the time the new millennium took hold, it was obvious that the 1928 building had to be brought up to modern times, but the Center got much more. The team of OCC Trustees reinvigorated the compassion from Town residents, area supporters and engaged in a capital campaign like never before. The building even received LEEDS certification upon completion of the renovations. The Trustees found an incredible visionary architect in Cameron MacTavish, who designed the renovation. He tells the story of how he discovered the cathedral ceiling and the beautiful window structures that today are the signature of the OCC. The ribbon cutting ceremony was June 24, 2012 which is why the anniversary party is June 24, 2022.

Since then, the OCC organization continues to strive to keep the promises of the stewards of the past, both from the 80’s and the 2000’s and is always looking forward to the future. The Trustees seek to deliver diverse and varied events and programs, educational classes, health and wellness, book club, game clubs and we welcome the 38th year of producing the Oxford Fine Arts Festival.

For more information, please visit www.oxfordcc.org, or call 410-226-5904.

The Oxford Fine Arts Exhibit and Sale welcomes its 38^th year on May 20-22, 2022.  The past two years were hosted as virtual galleries, but this year (as of now) the show will be in person at the Oxford Community Center. The OCC Board of Trustees continues to prioritize the safety and comfort of the artists and audiences therefore, the show was limited in scale. The juror Stewart White, was certainly put to task to whittle down the winning artists for this year’s show.  After careful consideration 35 artists were selected. The artists represent a fresh, cross section of fine art and decidedly increased exclusivity to the weekend exhibition.  Awards will be given for select categories opening night Friday, May 20^th.

The 2022 thirty-five (35) incredible artists are:

Robert Ausura, Norman Bell, Joel Boches, Carole Boggemann-Peirson, Cecilia Coder, Erin Daniels, Sharon Dennis, Donna Finley, Mary Ford, Rhonda Ford, Rae Hamilton, Carla Huber, Marianne Kost, Linda Luke, Maryellyn Lynott, Mary Ellen Mabe, Ingrid Matuszewski, Carol McClees, Laura McGowan, Karen Merkin, Marjorie Morani, Will Oakley, Betty Papson, Steve Rogers, Susan Schauer John, John Schisler, John Sharp, Sheryl Southwick, Sharon Stockley, Stephen Walker, Nancy West, Heidi Wetzel, Keith Whitelock, Louisa Zendt, Barbara Zuehlke

“Year after year, each juror adds their own eye to the show and we are thrilled with Stewart’s selection.” Karen Walbridge, chair of the event says “I am very excited about our lineup of artists for this year’s Fine Arts Show. They are a very talented group. Their work covers all mediums and genres. We have 3D art and fabric art, as well as work in water color, pastel and oil. The work is also diverse in subject matter. We have wonderful seascapes and landscapes, but we also have some more modern pieces.”

The featured artist is Carole Boggemann-Peirson. “This piece especially struck Stewart and he selected it to be our poster image.” Karen commented, “As Carole herself said, she went in a different direction with many of her paintings this year and this is true of the featured painting “Breakthrough”.  Her use of cold wax and oil give the painting its unique metallic look. While not our usual landscape or seascape, the painting does evoke an ocean-like feel. The prominent streak of light that crosses the entirety of the painting adds to the provocativeness of the piece.”

The three-day show begins with a preview gala reception Friday, May 20^th at 6PM. Saturday the exhibit is open 10:00 am – 5:00pm, and Sunday 10:00 am – 4:00 PM.  Raffle winners are announced Sunday afternoon.  The artists will be present at Friday’s gala awards event, and most of the weekend. Demos and other activities will be scheduled. Lunch is available for purchase both Saturday and Sunday at the Community Center.

For more information, please visit www.oxfordcc.org, or call 410-226-5904. To learn more about the juror Stewart White, please visit his website https://stewartwhitestudios.com   The juried exhibit and sale has supported the Oxford Community Center (a non-profit 501(C-3), since the 1980’s 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.

Wed, March 16, 5:30pm, free

BRENT LEWIS, AUTHOR, STARDUST BY THE BUSHEL

Hear about Hollywood on the Chesapeake Bay’s Eastern Shore, one-hundred years of moviemaking on Delmarva, from Easton to Ocean City and Wilmington to Chincoteague. Written with care and joy by Brent Lewis, a tenth-generation Eastern Shoreman known for his mastery of regional history and lore. Books will be available for purchase and signing. Oxfordcc.org

Thurs, March 17, 6pm, $25

TRADITIONAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE

Reserve a seat indoors (seating max of 40) or choose drive-up & go. Book inside seating when you make your online reservation. Indoor guests may select beverages from our cash bar, and enjoy live music while they dine. Lovingly prepared for you by Larry Paz & Crew. Pre-registration a must! Oxfordcc.org

Thurs, March 24, 6-7:30pm, free

FLYING CLOUD LOG CANOE; REPAIR & RESTORATION

Don’t miss this lively presentation and discussion detailing the remarkable restoration of the Flying Cloud, a 1932 sailing log canoe. Hear about the journey, the challenges, and the enormous pride in completion. She’s afloat!

Flying Cloud Log Canoe Preservation Trust president Ned Hennighausen will lead a pictorial review of Cloud’s two-year restoration, followed by a panel discussion and audience Q&A. Fascinating for mariners, historians and enthusiasts alike! Free Admission, Light Snacks/Cash Bar. Pre-registration required. Orfordcc.org

Thurs, March 31, 5:30PM, free

IMANI BLACK, FOUNDER & CEO, MINORITIES IN AQUACULTURE

Imani Black will discuss the long history of minorities on the Bay who honor the Chesapeake/Eastern Shore heritage and legacy. She’ll also stress the importance of aquaculture in our seafood resources. You’ll learn about Minorities In Aquaculture, its work and mission. And lastly, you’ll enjoy a fresh, raw oyster bar on site during the presentation. Free event, cash bar. Oysters: Buck-A-Shuck! Oxfordcc.org

Saturday, April 2, 2022, 7PM, $20

CONCERT, FILM & BUBBLY; PIANO CONCERT & SILENT FILM

Pianist Composer Ben Model presents his original score to STEAMBOAT BILL, JR. (1928) starring silent film legend Buster Keaton. Celebrate the Silent Film Era and the Music that brought it to life with a live performance by a world-celebrated composer! 20’s era garb welcome but not required! Pre-registration required. Oxfordcc.org

Upcoming Highlights in 2022 at Oxford Community Center

May 20-22, Oxford Fine Arts

June 24, OCC 10 Year Celebration

Sept 3, Fabulous Hubcaps Concert

Sept 10, 3rd Annual Road Rally

Sept 24, Picket Fences Auction

Oct 8, Fall Gala

Oct 22, Annual 5K Run/Walk/Bike

Nov 13, Model Boat Show

Dec 2-4, Christmas on the Creek

Dec 7, Holiday Potluck