Oxford Cultural Arts Commission is finalizing details for their Third Annual Gallery of Art Showcase on Sept. 28 to 30.
This year, the opening reception will include a meet and greet with exhibiting artists and a silent auction to benefit the Caryl Soucy memorial scholarship. The fund, established in 2011, awards local Oxford students who excel in the arts.
Caryl Soucy was a resident of Oxford’s Crestview Ridge Senior Housing Complex where she pursued her passion for creating art. She had suffered numerous strokes with one in 1999 being the most severe leaving her left side paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair for her last 11 years. After her strokes, this accomplished artist could only use her right hand to paint and yet continuing to paint is what she did.
Ms. Soucy in her determination to show her work had repeatedly asked the Oxford Cultural Arts Commission to put on an exhibit. Caryl was one of the first to apply and be invited to the inaugural showcase in 2010.
Sadly, on Aug. 25, Caryl passed away, only a few weeks prior to the event she was so instrumental in creating. To honor Caryl and her wonderful art talent, her family had agreed to continue with participation in the OCAC Gallery of Art Showcase and as she had wished, exhibit her art for her.
In a fitting tribute, this year the OCAC is conducting a silent auction of matted framed prints of some of Caryl’s work along with donated works from local artists. Monies raised will go towards the Caryl Soucy memorial scholarship.
The Third Annual Gallery of Art will kick off with a reception on Sept. 28 from 6 to 9 p.m. in the meeting room at Oxford Town Hall.
The weekend hours are Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be music, art demonstrations and tours of the gallery throughout the weekend.
The event is free. For more information please visit, www.oxfordculturalarts.org or call 203.881.6085.
