Oxford, MD – Plein Air Easton marks its fifteenth year this July with fifty-eight juried participants from around the world. On Sunday, July 14th PAE competition artists will descend on Oxford for its fourth annual Paint Oxford Day.  For the occasion, Oxford businesses will offer specials throughout the day, culminating with live music, a free reception, exhibition and sale at the Oxford Community Center from 5 to 6:30 pm. A $1,000 Artists’ Choice award will be awarded, as will a brand-new cash prize sponsored by Attraction Magazine: the WaterWays Award. The winning painting will be one which best captures the themes of the Smithsonian/Oxford Museum’s WaterWays exhibit, opening the same weekend at St. Paul’s Church in Oxford. WaterWays explores the endless motion of the water cycle, its effect on landscape, settlement and migration and its impact on culture and spirituality. WaterWays is part of the Smithsonian’s water initiative to raise awareness of this critical resource.

There will also be a series of pieces by artist Ron Walker, which looks at the growing problem of rising sea levels in our changing environment. The “Rising Waters House Installation” will be located near the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry dock, and is an added attraction this year as part of the WaterWays conversation. Locations identified in Oxford as significant for the WaterWays themes, and where one might possibly find Plein Air Easton artists painting, include: Campbell’s Boatyards; the Strand beach; the ferry landing; town docks at the end of Tilghman Street; Town Creek behind Cutts and Case boatyard; the Town Park living shoreline; the causeway at the head of Town Creek; marshes on Bachelor’s Point Road; Sandaway Suites & Beach; the Robert Morris Inn; and the Doc’s Sunset Grille and Capsize waterfronts.

It will be a family-friendly day, with music and activities for everyone.  You can bring your pooch along, too; Oxford even has a dog park.  Don’t forget a blanket or lawn chair to relax in the park or to take in live music at the Oxford Community Center.

Outdoor activities during the day include watercraft rentals at the Strand from Dockside Boat Rentals from 1 – 5 pm.  No visit to Oxford is complete without a ferry ride.  Be sure to hop aboard ($5.00 per pedestrian) to traverse the Tred Avon River and enjoy the scenery.  The ferry is an iconic landmark not only in Maryland but on the entire Eastern seaboard.

Thirsty? Stop by the Treasure Chest from 10 am – 4 pm for a free lemonade from the stand out front. You are sure to find unique, one-of-a-kind Eastern Shore gifts and artwork inside. While there, pick up the brochure featuring the Oxford Artists’ Studio Tour happening September 1st, so plan your Labor Day weekend trip back to Oxford.

Oxford is also home to Mystery Loves Company booksellers, a truly special bookstore located conveniently next to both the Oxford Town Park and the new Oxford Social, where you can stop for fresh coffee and gourmet treats. Be sure to take a stroll down Tilghman Street to the Scottish Highland Creamery, which will be open from noon until 8:30 pm.  They will feature “Plein Air Sorbet,” as well as several other original and tempting flavors of the day. Don’t forget to stop in at the Oxford Market for a free coffee with the purchase of a freshly baked muffin.

Later on, you’ll want to head into the Oxford Community Center to see the final products of the Plein Air Easton artists’ day’s work.  Paintings will be on display as early as noon for viewing and purchase, culminating with the complete exhibition (with nibbles and beverages available) from 5 - 6:30 pm.  To end the OCC’s activities, the award presentations will be made by the President of the Oxford Business Association (Ian Fleming), the President of the Oxford Museum (Stuart Parnes), Allison Rogers of Attraction Magazine, the President of the Oxford Community Center (Bonnie Richards), and the Avalon Foundation Executive Director, Al Bond.

End your day at one of Oxford’s fine restaurants, which will feature specially priced menus and live entertainment for Plein Air Easton’s Paint Oxford Day.  Where will you be on 14 July?  Why not Oxford?

For more information, go to portofoxford.com and oxfordcc.org