The 43rd Oxford Fine Arts Fair Returns May 14–16, 2027
Celebrating art, community, and culture at the Oxford Community Center

Oxford, MD — September 2nd, 2026 — The Oxford Community Center Board of Trustees is proud to present the 43rd Oxford Fine Arts Fair, returning May 14–16, 2027, at the Oxford Community Center (200 Oxford Rd., Oxford, MD). This beloved three-day exhibition and sales event highlights outstanding local and regional artists while supporting the year-round cultural programming of the Community Center.

Erika Long returns as Chair of the signature event after last year’s highly successful Fair. Building on that momentum, she continues to bring thoughtful leadership and fresh energy to this long-standing tradition. In addition, the 2027 juror will be acclaimed local artist Michel Model, whose sophisticated and insightful work has earned her wide respect in the regional and national art community.

A graduate of the prestigious Hoffberger School of Painting at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), Model is known for paintings that layer humor, cultural observation, and emotional depth. Her work has been featured in New American Paintings and exhibited both domestically and internationally. Based in the Oxford area, she brings a deep understanding of the Eastern Shore creative community along with a discerning eye for technical excellence and meaningful storytelling.

“After the wonderful energy and strong turnout of last year’s Fair, I’m thrilled to be back as Chair,” said Erika Long. “We’re building on that success with even more ways for visitors to engage—continuing our popular live artist demonstrations while introducing new interactive experiences that will make this year’s event feel fresh, welcoming, and truly memorable for everyone who attends.”

“I’m truly honored to serve as juror for the Oxford Fine Arts Fair,” said Michelle Model. “This event has long been a cornerstone of our local arts community, and I’m looking forward to discovering work that demonstrates strong technical skill while also revealing something genuine and human. Art that moves us—whether through humor, emotion, or quiet insight—is what stays with us long after we leave the gallery.”

The Fine Arts Fair kicks off on Friday, May 14th, 6:00–8:00 PM, with an elegant Preview Party Gala, offering patrons an exclusive first look at the artwork while enjoying live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, and wine. The elegant atmosphere will be enhanced by live music from Julie Parsons’ Band. Gala tickets are $90 and available by reservation at oxfordcc.org.

The exhibition continues on Saturday, May 15 (10 AM–5 PM) and Sunday, May 16 (10 AM–4 PM) with a vibrant weekend of art, music, and community. Visitors can browse and purchase works from juried artists, enjoy live demonstrations of artists painting, and take part in raffles. New this year are additional interactive opportunities designed to spark curiosity and connection—including artist meet-and-greets, short “process talks” throughout the weekend, and family-friendly creative stations—so that everyone, from seasoned collectors to first-time visitors, can engage more deeply with the art and the artists. Delicious local fare will be available for purchase, including the Oxford Community Center’s famous Strawberry Shortcake.

With 30% of art sales directly benefiting the Oxford Community Center’s year-round programs, every purchase supports arts, education, and cultural activities that enrich the local community.

The 43rd Oxford Fine Arts Fair is presented in partnership with the Talbot Arts Council, with support from the Maryland State Arts Council and area patrons of the arts.

Admission: $5 at the door. Gala tickets are $100 per guest. Open to the public—families, art lovers, students, and collectors are all welcome.

CALL TO ARTISTS: Submissions are now open for the juried show. Artists may apply between October 1 and December 31, 2026, via oxfordcc.org.

For more information, visit oxfordcc.org or contact the Oxford Community Center at 410-226-5904 or liza@oxfordcc.org.

 A Note from the Juror

It is a privilege to serve as this year’s guest juror for the Oxford Community Center’s annual juried exhibition. I come to it as a painter first. Watercolor is my discipline.

This exhibition has earned its national standing by declining to define itself narrowly and opening its doors to a broad audience of artists and mediums. I will be continuing that tradition by assessing the submitted work and finding an aesthetic that pulls through to continue to showcase the artists who have been included.

We are also glad to be able to include student artists this year. My hope is that it creates a blending of professional and student work, and a broader spectrum of the talent present within the show itself.

Michel L. Modell holds an MFA from MICA’s Hoffberger School of Painting and serves on the boards of MICA and served on the board of Florida Institute of Technology. She is a Hopper Prize recipient and was named 2025 Artist of the Year by the American Cancer Society.