Celebrate Artistic Brilliance and the Beauty of Nature on June 22 at The Inn at Oxbow Acres

This June, art enthusiasts, nature lovers, and collectors alike are invited to an extraordinary event at The Inn at Oxbow Acres. On Sunday, June 22, 2025 the Inn’s charming and serene grounds will set the stage for a one-of-a-kind art show that showcases the creative journeys and works of five exceptional artists. Guests will have the rare opportunity to experience the masterpieces of Brenda Kenney, Rebecca M. Fullerton, Annette Tardiff, Jessica Fligg, and Betsy Carroll Smith, each of whom brings their own distinct style and voice to the celebration.

Even before the grand unveiling of their works at the show, these talented artists will immerse themselves in the beauty of The Inn at Oxbow Acres and the Great North Woods as part of an inspiring four-day retreat starting on Thursday, June 19. During this retreat, they’ll connect with the area’s awe-inspiring scenery, drawing inspiration from its tranquil beauty to create new pieces that reflect its magic. These works, along with other highlights from their collections, will be available for purchase at the June 22 show.

This event not only celebrates the extraordinary talents of these artists but also exemplifies The Inn at Oxbow Acres’ commitment to supporting the arts by offering a nurturing environment for creativity.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the artists whose work will be featured during this unforgettable event.

Brenda Kenney is a painter whose art is a heartfelt meditation on life’s quiet moments, transformations, and the intricate relationships between humanity and the natural world. Known for her layered, mixed-media style, Brenda combines elements of realism, expressive mark-making, and natural materials to create works filled with meaning and depth.

Brenda’s artistic career is marked by an impressive array of accomplishments. Her original paintings, prints, and commissions are cherished by collectors across the country, and her work has been recognized with awards at both local and regional art events. Beyond her artistic achievements, Brenda has shared her passion with others by teaching classes and workshops in northern New Hampshire and Vermont, fostering creativity in her community.

A pivotal moment in Brenda’s creative life came in 2024, after recovering from a wrist injury that gave her time to rediscover her artistic purpose. That season of reflection inspired her to create works that emphasize freedom, authenticity, and humanity’s fragile connection to the environment. During the retreat, Brenda will draw upon the natural tranquility of The Inn and the sprawling Great North Woods, producing works that celebrate resilience, introspection, and beauty.

For Rebecca M. Fullerton, the White Mountains are more than a source of inspiration; they are the heartbeat of her creativity. A resident of Bethlehem, NH, Rebecca specializes in landscapes painted in the realist and impressionist traditions. Her dedication to en plein air painting allows her to connect directly with the scenes she portrays, capturing the rugged trails, shifting weather, and sweeping vistas of the region.

Rebecca’s artistic practice begins with adventure. She spends her time hiking the backcountry of the White Mountains, documenting scenes through sketches, photographs, and on-the-spot paintings. These field pieces often serve as the starting point for larger studio works, each imbued with the serenity and grandeur of the wilderness.

A graduate of Hartwick College with a B.A. in Studio Art and Art History, Rebecca also holds an MA in Museum Studies from the Harvard Extension School. This academic foundation, paired with her love for conservation, informs pieces that remind us of the White Mountains’ fragile beauty. During the retreat, Rebecca’s goal will be to translate the captivating scenery surrounding The Inn and the Great North Woods into evocative landscapes that move viewers to appreciate and protect the environment.

Annette Tardiff takes her love for nature to incredible depths, venturing into waterways and wildlife habitats to find the perfect moments of inspiration. Combining her passions for photography and oil painting, Annette creates captivating works that celebrate the world’s natural wonders. Whether she’s kayaking through still waters or capturing the grace of ducks in flight, Annette’s keen eye for detail brings her subjects to life in a way that invites connection and admiration.

For Annette, oil painting offers the versatility and forgiving nature needed to transform raw moments into rich, emotional pieces. Her work’s immersive quality speaks to a lifetime of observing and honoring wildlife. Annette’s dream of one day winning the Federal Migratory Duck Stamp contest reflects her commitment to both artistic excellence and wildlife conservation.

Throughout the retreat, Annette will explore the Androscoggin River, searching for subjects that inspire new works. Each painting will mirror her awe for the natural world and present moments of quiet beauty that are both fleeting and timeless.

From the moment Jessica Fligg picked up a pencil to draw with her Great Grandmother, she found herself captivated by the joy of artistic expression. Over the years, that early passion has blossomed into her mastery of oil painting and her love of en plein air work, which enables her to capture life as it unfolds.

Jessica studied painting at the New Hampshire Institute of Art, where she was inspired by impressionism and honed her ability to create light-filled, atmospheric pieces. She especially loves winter and often braves the cold to capture the crisp light and changing colors of a snow-covered landscape.

During the retreat at The Inn at Oxbow Acres, Jessica will work to uncover the best of the region’s scenery, rendering its beauty through her impressionist lens. Her works will reflect both her technical skill and her deep appreciation for the world around her.

Born into an artistic family in Buffalo, New York, Betsy Carroll Smith has lived a life as colorful and adventurous as her art. While her professional career took her into the skies as a Boeing 757/767 captain with UPS, Betsy always found time to nurture her creative passion.

Betsy’s art blends her love for aviation and the cosmos with her admiration for nature, making her contributions to the arts truly unique. A member of the International Association of Astronomical Artists, Betsy participated in workshops and exhibitions highlighting space art. Her painting, “When Dreams Are Born,” achieved an extraordinary milestone by being part of the first-ever art exhibition in space aboard the Russian space station MIR.

Beyond her cosmic contributions, Betsy finds joy in wildlife art and watercolor landscapes. Her volunteer work with raptors at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science reflects her passion for protecting and celebrating the natural world. During the retreat, Betsy’s focus will be on creating pieces that merge the grounded splendor of the region with her imaginative creativity.

📅 When: Sunday, June 22, 2025 from 11-3 (Art Show)
📍 Where: The Inn at Oxbow Acres, 877 Milan Rd. Milan, NH 03588

Join us for this extraordinary afternoon, where the retreat culminates in an awe-inspiring art show filled with newly created works and stunning pieces from the artists’ collections. Not only will you witness the beauty of the Great North Woods through their eyes, but you’ll also have the chance to take home one-of-a-kind artwork.

Your invitation awaits. Celebrate the creativity that springs from nature and experience the powerful stories behind each masterpiece. 

   

At the Inn at Oxbow Acres, we’re deeply passionate about supporting entrepreneurs, our local community, and small businesses. That’s why we proudly collaborate with independently owned venues and businesses to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship and preserve the unique charm of local gems like ours.

By choosing local, you’re not just helping a business–you’re sustaining a community, nurturing dreams, and helping small businesses thrive from coast to coast. If you share our love for small businesses, here are a few simple but impactful ways you can make a difference today:

• Leave a thoughtful review on Google or other platforms to help local businesses shine.
• Follow independently owned venues and businesses on social media to show your support and help them grow.
• Share your favorite local gems with friends and family–word of mouth goes a long way!

Your support ripples far beyond one business; it empowers entrepreneurs everywhere to keep pushing boundaries and creating experiences that matter. Together, we can ensure that small businesses continue to thrive, adding value, connection, and heart to our communities. Thank you for all that you do to support local businesses like ours! For more great events from around the country, check out our friends at:

Betsy Carroll Smith Art

Jessica Fligg Artist

Brenda LB Kenney, Fine Art

Rebecca M Fullerton, Artist

Annette Tardiff (works available at the 3 Sisters Gallery)

 

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