NEWS

Art by Michael F. Pitoscia

OCAG August Solo Artists: Woodcraft Whimsy & Painted Poetry

For this August Solo Shows, the OCAG is spotlighting two exceptional solo artists whose works traverse very different mediums, yet share a common goal: to evoke connection, nostalgia, and wonder.

Art by Michael F. Pitoscia

Michael F. Pitoscia: Finding Magic in the Discarded

“Fun Winecrate Art – Works in Wood” by Michael F. Pitoscia transforms the everyday into the extraordinary. His work is an ode to memory, family, and the hidden potential in what most of us overlook. Using discarded wine crates and pinewood, he crafts tables, keepsake boxes, and whimsical wooden constructions that whisper stories of home and heart. His pieces are both playful and profound—at once a tribute to the beauty of reclaimed material and a testament to creativity’s ability to see beyond the surface.

“Sometimes [the materials] speak to me as a loving memory or a fun time,” says Pitoscia, “and sometimes as a whimsical voice challenging me to just make it!” Through finely tuned craftsmanship and a touch of humor, his work honors the natural beauty of wood while celebrating the joy of reinvention.

Visitors can preview the exhibit and join “thelastest” list at funwinecrateart.com, or connect with the artist directly at mf.pitoscia@funwinecrateart.com.

Art by H. Hargrove

H. Hargrove: A Brush with Storytelling

The luminous canvases of H. Hargrove (the nom de plume of Nicolo Sturiano) transport viewers to Mediterranean villages, sunlit seascapes, and Americana dreamscapes. Originally from Italy and trained as a winemaker, Hargrove found his muse in the rural American landscape after immigrating to the U.S. in 1964.

Now, with over one million works sold to date, he has become a beloved fixture in the American art world. His August solo exhibit at OCAG invites viewers into a painted world where imagination and memory converge. Whether it’s a quaint outdoor café overlooking turquoise waters or a rustic barn nestled in a golden field, each painting radiates warmth and optimism.

“My passion is still life,” Hargrove says, “but in all of my paintings I strive to tell a story.” His work, rich with allegory and sentiment, is marked by what he describes as “an unshakable confidence in the essential goodness and strength of the human spirit.” A true visual poet, Hargrove’s brush doesn’t just capture a scene—it captures a feeling.

Learn more at www.hhargrove.com.

Let’s Make Waves at Sailfest NJ!

Sailfest NJ is back on Saturday, September 6, 2025, in Island Heights — and we want OCAG to show up strong!

As New Jersey’s largest sailing festival drawing thousands of attendees, this is a perfect opportunity for OCAG to connect with the community, showcase local artists, and support a meaningful cause.

We’re looking for an OCAG member (or a small team) to step up as our Sailfest Organizer this year. This role involves coordinating our group’s presence at the event, which may include:

Organizing a tent or display booth
Recruiting OCAG artists to sell or showcase work
Planning live art demos or interactive activities
Coordinating setup, volunteers & logistics
Promoting OCAG’s role in the event

Interested in leading or lending a hand? Email us at info@ocartistsguild.org

Let’s bring our creative energy, and together, we’ll make OCAG shine at Sailfest 2025!

Happy Birthday, Mary Koth Lutton!

OCAG was thrilled to celebrate our dear friend and longtime supporter Mary Koth Lutton this past Friday during her performance with Easy As Pie! We surprised her with birthday cake, a card, champagne, and a whole lot of love.

Mary’s lifelong dedication to the arts is truly inspiring. A powerhouse performer and prolific songwriter, she was a member of the 1960s folk trio The All Night Singers, recording with Warner Brothers Reprise. Since then, she’s released seven original albums and mastered instruments from piano and guitar to autoharp and flute—and now she’s learning violin!

Mary has shared her talents across the Tri-State area, both as a solo artist and as part of Ladies Night Out. She also devoted 40 years to public school music education in Toms River, earning Teacher of the Year honors in both 1992 and 2000. From her roots in Hershey, PA to her creative home in Toms River, Mary has touched countless lives with her voice, her wisdom, and her heart.

Please join us in wishing Mary a joyful year ahead filled with harmony, happiness, and (of course) plenty of music!

High Noon by Amanda Donovan

Call for Art: August Member’s Show – Artist’s Choice

Summer is flying by, and it’s time to share what you’ve been creating! The August Member’s Show at OCAG is just around the corner—and this month, YOU set the theme! Whether you’re exploring a new medium, revisiting a favorite subject, or simply following your muse, “Artist’s Choice” invites you to showcase the work that most inspires you.

Artwork Receiving:

Wednesday, July 30 & Thursday, July 31

$5 for up to 2 pieces

Come be part of a vibrant exhibit alongside our featured solo shows:

H. Hargrove (Oils) – Galleries 1 & 2

Michael Pitoscia (3D Woodwork) – Pop-Up Gallery

Opening Reception is Sunday, August 3 | 1–4 PM
Featuring live keyboard music by talented student Scotlan Norman.

Let’s fill the Guild with creativity and community. We can’t wait to see what you bring!

2025-2026 OCAG Board Nominations Due July 25

Would you like to be an important part of our NEXT SEVENTY YEARS?

The Ocean County Artists’ Guild will hold its annual election in August, looking for new members to join our Board of Trustees. We have nearly 70 years of history to preserve as well as an ongoing mission to support the arts in Ocean County through classes, exhibitions, demonstrations, performances, celebrations, and special events too numerous to mention.

Meanwhile, we are committed to meeting the future by forging new partnerships with community groups and schools, as well as increasing our social media outreach.

Are you passionate about Art? Would you like to help expand our programming in all media? Would you like to help the Guild further establish its place in history and the local community? Maybe you are committed to spreading art opportunities in our schools, up through college and beyond, or perhaps you would simply like to think of the Guild as a welcoming presence within Island Heights, hosting both free and affordable events throughout the year.

Serving on the Board requires a one-year (renewable) commitment to monthly meetings and a willingness to volunteer, as you are able, in supporting our membership and our programs.

Board members are also encouraged to take an active role on committees and to serve as committee representatives regarding planning, budgeting, fundraising, special events and assessment issues.

The following positions are up for election:

Trustees (up to 9): Trustees provide oversight and strategic guidance for the Guild

Executive Officers:

President: Leads the Guild with vision and integrity.
Vice President: Assists the President in all executive matters.
Recording Secretary: Documents meeting minutes and helps to maintain the archives
Treasurer: Manages the budget, financial planning, and reporting.
Membership Secretary: Manages member records and recruitment.
Corresponding Secretary: Handles external communications.

If you are interested, please submit this nomination form the OCAG office no later than July 25.Nomination Form

We look forward to receiving your input and thank you for your interest and your help!

The 2025-26 OCAG Election Committee: Sally Cornelison, Janet Frederiksen, and Marilyn Kralik.

Harvest Moon by Amanda Donovan

Call for Art: Cool Beans Coffee House Exhibit – Sept/Oct 2025

OCAG invites member artists to participate in our upcoming exhibit at Cool Beans Coffee House in Toms River!

Suggested Theme: Harvest Moon
Let your creativity rise with the moon—think autumn landscapes, golden fields, night skies, celestial magic, and the quiet beauty of the changing season. (Only a suggestion, your art doesn’t need to coincide with the theme) All interpretations welcome!

Drop-Off Dates:
OCAG: Tuesday, August 27 & Wednesday, August 28

Location of Exhibit:
Cool Beans Coffee House
1626 Route 37 East, Toms River, NJ

Exhibit runs September–October 2025

Space is limited, so bring your best pieces ready to hang. All artwork should be family-friendly and suitable for a public café setting. Don’t miss this chance to share your work with the community in a warm and welcoming local venue!

Dive into Color with Terry Konn at the OCAG!

Unleash your inner artist at the OCAG’s Acrylic Pour Workshop on Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM at 22 Chestnut Ave! Whether you’re a seasoned painter or brand new to the world of art, this fun and vibrant workshop led by the talented Terry Konn, OCAG Vice President, is perfect for anyone looking to explore a new technique and create something truly unique.

Acrylic pour painting is a mesmerizing, no-stress form of abstract art that involves pouring fluid paint onto a canvas to create stunning, marble-like designs. Terry will guide participants step by step through this exciting process, sharing tips, tricks, and her infectious enthusiasm for creative expression. It’s not about perfection—it’s about play, discovery, and letting color lead the way.

Expect an afternoon filled with fun, laughter, and artistic interpretation in a supportive and welcoming environment. You’ll walk away with your very own masterpiece to cherish—and the skills to keep pouring at home!

Cost:

Members: $35
Nonmembers: $45

No prior experience needed—just bring your creativity and a willingness to get a little messy!

Make a Splash This Summer at the OCAG Kids Classes

Summer fun is starting at OCAG!

We are kicking off our July Children’s Summer Classes this week, offering young artists a chance to explore their imaginations through hands-on art projects in a vibrant and welcoming setting. Led by the enthusiastic and talented Miss Alison Amelchenko, this eight-week course has classes every Tuesday and Wednesday from 10:30am to 12:00pm or 1:00pm-2:30pm throughout the end of August.

Each session features a unique theme designed to spark curiosity and creativity:

7/22, 7/23 – Boardwalk Food and Fun

7/29, 7/30 – Sand Castles

8/5, 8/6 – Pirates and Mermaids

8/12, 8/13 – Sunglasses Imagery

8/19,8/20 – Boats in the Water

8/26, 8/27 – Lighthouse Silhouette

The program is open to children of all artistic levels, and no prior experience is necessary. Whether your child is a budding Picasso or just looking for a fun new summer activity, the OCAG is the perfect place to create, imagine, and shine. We look forward to seeing your children’s smiling faces all summer long!

Upcoming Classes, Events, and Workshops

Whether you’re a seasoned painter, budding illustrator, or a parent looking for enriching summer activities for your child, OCAG is your creative destination this July! With a full calendar of diverse and inspiring classes, there’s something for everyone at all skill levels to dive into this summer.

Oil and Watercolor
Explore classical technique with Oil Painting: Indirect Method with Michelle Dillon, meeting Monday evenings on July 7 and 28 from 6:00 to 8:30pm.

For watercolor enthusiasts, July offers three courses led by Leona Lavone:

“Unleashing Watercolor Potential” takes place Monday mornings (July 7, 14, 21, 28) from 9:30am to 12:00pm
“Beach Bliss Watercolor” runs Wednesdays (July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30) from 9:00am to 12:00pm, capturing the serenity of the Jersey Shore through soft washes and coastal color palettes.
“Seascapes in Watercolor”, an evening series held Wednesdays (July 16, 23, and 30) from 6:00 to 8:00pm, designed for artists looking to master ocean scenes.

Drawing Classes for Every Level
Figure drawing enthusiasts can enjoy two options this month:

Portrait Drawing Workshops offered Sundays (July 6, 13, 20, 27) from 2:00 to 4:00pm.

Children’s Summer Classes
Back by popular demand, the Children’s Summer Classes are now in session! Held every Tuesday and Wednesday from 10:30am to 12:00pm or 1:00pm-2:30pm each class features a fun seasonal theme.

Ocean County 175th Anniversary Art Contest!

The Ocean County Cultural & Heritage Commission invites artists 18 years and older to participate in a special art contest commemorating Ocean County’s 175th Anniversary. Now’s your chance to showcase your talent and celebrate our community’s incredible milestone!

THEME:

“Ocean County at 175 Years is a Great Place to Be”
Submit a two-dimensional original artwork that reflects what makes Ocean County unique, beautiful, or meaningful to you.

IMPORTANT DETAILS:
Submission deadline: October 1, 2025

One image of artwork per artist – All work must be original

PRIZES:
1st Place: $500 gift card to Blick Art Materials

2nd Place: $300 Blick gift card

3rd Place: $150 Blick gift card

Selected artworks will be exhibited as part of the county’s 175th anniversary celebration!

HOW TO ENTER:
Visit the Ocean County Cultural & Heritage Commission’s website for full submission guidelines, entry form, and drop-off information: https://co.ocean.nj.us/frmRegContent.aspx?ID=ab0f3ccd-8127-48e5-b5bf-6343c6999094

Let’s celebrate 175 years of history, community, and creativity—submit your artwork today!