The Annual Paint Oxford Experience
Experience the magic of Plein Air Easton at Sandaway Suites & Beach! From July 10–19, we are proud to serve as an Official Art Lover Sponsor and the premier hospitality hub for Paint Oxford. Whether you’re a juried artist looking for the perfect sunset "Easel Pass" on our private beach or an art lover seeking a front-row seat to the creative process, Sandaway offers a front-row seat to the country's most prestigious painting competition. Join us for a weekend of colonial charm, waterfront inspiration, and exclusive festival perks.
The Art of the Shore: Experience Paint Oxford at Sandaway Suites & Beach
Oxford, Maryland, is a tiny town with a huge personality. Surrounded by water on three sides and steeped in colonial charm, it remains a picturesque escape that has consistently retained its historic character. This July 10-19, that charm takes center stage as we welcome Plein Air Easton—the largest and most prestigious juried painting competition in the United States.
As an Official Art Lover Sponsor, Sandaway Suites & Beach is thrilled to be a hospitality hub for Paint Oxford on July 12, a highlight of the festival that brings the world’s most accomplished artists right to our doorstep.
A Sanctuary for Artists: The "Easel-as-Pass" Experience
At Sandaway, we believe the best way to see the Tred Avon River is through the eyes of an artist. To support the 58 elite juried artists selected from around the globe, we are opening our 2.5-acre estate as a dedicated sanctuary for creativity.
Your Easel is Your Beach Pass Any juried Plein Air Easton artist enjoys exclusive, complimentary access to our private beach and waterfront lawn. This provides a front-row seat to the dramatic light of the Tred Avon—the ultimate canvas for any painter. Please contact Ben at 410-829-4204 to reserve a slot from July 10-19.
Official Sunset Quick Draw Practice Sandaway is the waterfront location for plein air artists to practice their "Quick Draw" technique. Two hours before the sun dips below the horizon, our shoreline becomes a living gallery.
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Juried Artists: No reservation required.
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Visiting Artists: We have a limited number of spots open to visiting artists who will compete in the Plein Air Easton Quick Draw Competition on Saturday, July 18. If you would like to paint at Sandaway during Plein Air Easton (July 10-19), please contact Ben at 410-829-4204 to reserve your time slot.
The Artist Welcome Center We are proud to serve as a home base for competition artists. During Paint Oxford on July 12, we provide a Grab & Go Breakfast bag station featuring fresh coffee and high-energy snacks to fuel the day’s work. Artists also have full access to our facilities, bottled water, and snack refills so they can stay focused on their vision.
A Weekend for Art Lovers
Whether you are a seasoned collector or a curious traveler, Paint Oxford offers an immersive way to experience the Eastern Shore.
Explore the Town Oxford remains a beautifully walkable town. Wander the streets to see artists at work, then stop by the Scottish Highland Creamery for what TripAdvisor calls some of the best ice cream in the country. We are located just 8 miles from Easton and 7 miles from St. Michaels—if you take the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry, the oldest private ferry in the nation.
The Main Event: Exhibit and Sale On Sunday, July 12th, join the community at the Oxford Community Center (200 Oxford Road) from 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm. This exhibit and sale is the perfect capstone to the weekend, featuring the incredible works produced right here in town. Admission is free and open to the public.
Stay with Us Experience the festival like an insider. Art lovers attending Plein Air Easton receive 10% OFF their hotel stays at Sandaway.
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To Book: Call 1-888-SANDAWAY or visit sandaway.com and use promo code: SAVE10.
If you are just visiting for Paint Oxford, please sign in at our office upon arrival to receive a complimentary Lawn & Beach Pass. This allows you to explore our grounds, watch the artists capture Oxford's beauty, and get a firsthand look at our premier wedding and event venue spaces.
Plan Your Visit
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Paint Oxford Exhibit: Sunday, July 12 | 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm | Oxford Community Center
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Sandaway Art Lover Special: Use promo code SAVE10 at sandaway.com for 10% off your stay.
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Daily Artist Access: Juried Artist "Easel Access" on the Sandaway Beach 2 hours before sunset, July 10-19. Other times can be arranged daily by contacting Ben at 410-829-4204. (Yes, we have a few slots daily for non-juried artists as well!)
Come witness the beauty of the outdoors captured in real-time and see why Sandaway’s waterfront lawn is the ultimate inspiration for the world's best painters.
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The secret is out! We are thrilled to announce that WorldAtlas has officially named Oxford, Maryland, one of the "7 Perfect Destinations for a Long Weekend in Chesapeake Bay." As the 2026 travel season picks up speed, travelers are increasingly seeking out "slow travel" experiences that prioritize history, tranquility, and authentic local charm. While the Bay is home to iconic stops like Annapolis, St. Michaels, and Easton, WorldAtlas specifically highlighted Oxford’s 18th-century architecture and the "soft, waterfront views" here at Sandaway Suites & Beach as the ultimate restorative escape. Whether you're planning a multi-stop "Bay Loop" or looking for a quiet boutique retreat, read on to see why our corner of the Eastern Shore is a must-visit destination this year.


