A Message from the President
Happy Holidays 2022 and Happy New Year 2023!

      Season’s Greetings OCAG members and friends!  ‘Tis the season to be jolly and there is so much to be happy about this holiday season and beyond!  This time of the year brings out the spirit of giving in all of us.  Here at the Guild, I am so thankful for the generosity of our members, volunteers, and friends who gave so much of their time, energy, and money this past year to spread the joy of art to our art community and beyond to those less fortunate.
      Be on the lookout for calls to help paint our “We Grow Artists” themed mural in December!  Thank you to the members who submitted their line art of flowers and other critters and creatures.  I am looking forward to seeing the beauty and diversity of our membership on full display outside of our Victorian lady!
      Don’t forget to get your artwork ready for our Sweetwater’s Coffee and Tea display for January 2023and for our Joy themed display here at the Guild!  I am so amazed at the talent our members have and how the beauty of each show has increased over time.  Keep up the good work!  Special thanks to our Gallery Committee for all of their efforts and for always ensuring that the works of our artists are wonderfully displayed.  
      The first gift of Christmas was a child, and we kick off our celebration of children and their families with our Jingle, Jolly, Joy event on December 3!  Thanks to Terry Konn and all of our volunteers who will make this celebration fun for those who join in the festivities.
     Members are cordially invited to our Holiday Celebration during our December 5 membership meeting at the Guild.  I hope to see you there! We will end this year on a high note with our Benefit Concert for Hearts of Mercy on December 10 from 1-4 PM, spreading cheer in the form of much needed funds and art supplies to needy children in Ocean County.  Please continue to contribute to the collection of art supplies for the Socks for Kids Program generously created by Tamara Woronczuk.   Thank you so much to our volunteers and musicians who are donating their time and talent to this worthy cause.
      To help us in our efforts to continue to grow artists in 2023, please consider making a donation gift to the Guild and volunteering your time on any of our committees.  Many hands make for light work and we always welcome anyone who is looking to become more involved in enriching our organization and the art lives of our members!   
      Looking ahead to 2023, the New Year, we reflect on what we might want to reclaim, restore, or renew.  For the Guild, that means having a plan to repair and restore our building.  For our artists and members, the new year can be a great time to renew our commitment to practice our art and reclaim time to do what we love and spend quality time with those near and dear to our hearts.  I invite you all to make a list of your dreams for your art and your life.  Set small actionable goals to help you achieve your dreams.  Make 2023 your best art year ever!

All the Best,
Kim Cesaretti
2022/23 President of OCAG
Live Your Best Art Life!