The Oxford Community Center (OCC) is proud to announce Steve Rogers as the featured artist for Fine Arts @ Oxford 2018. His painting entitled “Raptors” captured the eye of the anonymous juror, who was charged with the selection, and awarded this honor.

Lots of detail, light, and structure are all apt descriptions one understands of Steve Roger’s works. Whether they are maritime scenes, old farm structures, landscapes, or even ship models, they capture the real-life moments of a working coastal life. Steve has an expert understanding of the internal structures, primarily of boats, that he realistically brings into each of his paintings. His years building ship models, publishing, and teaching model building at the Wooden Boat School in Brooklin, Maine, further developed that skill that so clearly defines Steve’s work. He considers himself a Brandywine School artist and enjoys American impressionism.

For many years, Steve has been a signature member of the American Society of Marine Artists, which is a nationally-recognized organization specializing in marine art. Steve has lived and worked in Lewes, Delaware for close to 20 years and is an active leader in the Delaware and Rehoboth-Lewes arts community.

For 34 years, Fine Arts @ Oxford has been the Oxford Community Center’s biggest, most visible event. Roughly 1,000 people come to Oxford over the weekend from throughout the region to see the 39 juried artists exhibiting and selling their fine art. The competition was steep this year with 25% more applicants and 16 new artists gaining acceptance. Every year there is a fresh, yet consistent show for art enthusiasts, which creates loyal attendance and growth each year.

The weekend kicks off with the gala preview event on Friday, May 18 at 6 p.m. consisting of heavy hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and the main attraction of meeting the artists and gaining a sneak peak of the artwork. On Saturday, May 19, the exhibit is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Light lunch and refreshments will be offered, including famous homemade strawberry shortcake both days. The juried exhibitors are available during all open hours for conversation and demonstrations. There are also raffle drawings of artwork generously donated by the exhibiting artists.

Fine Arts @ Oxford is truly an exciting event and generates critical revenue, which allows OCC to offer free and low-cost programs throughout the year. One of the keys to Fine Arts @ Oxford’s success is the support of sponsors to help underwrite the event, making the money raised by the event go directly towards serving our greater community. To learn more about Steve Roger’s process and see some of his works, visit www.marineartbysteverogers.com.

Direct links to the participating artist websites is available at www.oxfordcc.org: David Aiken, Norman Bell, Paula Bell, Joel Boches, Carole Boggemann-Peirson, Katie Cassidy, Nancy Coleman, Fred Craig, Geraldine Czajkowski, Mary Ekroos, Lois Engberg, Rae Hamilton, George Hamilton, Patti Hopkins, Debra Howard, Carla Huber, Linda Kirvan, Kim Klabe, David Leonard, Mary Ellen Mabe, Michelle Marshall, Diane DuBois Mullaly, Stephanie Nadolski, Paul Passano, William Patterson, Kurt Plinke, Jim Rehak, Steve Rogers, Bradford Ross, John Schisler, Nick Serratore, Sharon Stockley, Scott Sullivan, Mary Veiga, Betsy VonDreele, Jen Wagner, Sean Wells, C Keith Whitelock and Barbara Zuehlke.

Tickets for the preview gala are $80. Saturday and Sunday cost $7. For more information on sponsor opportunities, or to purchase tickets, contact the Oxford Community Center at 410-226-5904, or email oxfordcc@verizon.net, or visit our www.oxfordcc.org. Sign up for OCC’s weekly e-newsletter for additional announcements and updates and like OCC’s Facebook page at Oxford Community Center, Inc.