NEWS

OCAG Board Nominees Update: Get Ready to Meet, Question, and Vote!

Fellow members of OCAG, the nomination period has ended and we have an exciting slate of candidates!

Over the next two days, the Nominating Committee (Sally Cornelison, Janet Frederiksen, Marilyn Kralik) will continue to personally contact each candidate to verify that they ARE, in fact, interested in being on the Board and/or serving as an Executive Officer.

As soon as this screening process is finished, we’ll provide a brief bio for each, along with the official ballot with instructions. We’re also hosting a brief, in-person “Meet the Candidates” event in affiliation with our August Gallery opening, and we are providing each candidate with a list of questions (see below) so that they will be prepared. Naturally, we urge all OCAG members to consider their own questions for the candidates!

Here are our suggested questions:

Are you a DOER, a DONOR, or a DOOR-OPENER? What is your greatest strength and/or interest, and how will you use it to support the Guild?
Are you a TEAM PLAYER? Please provide an example of how you have worked to strengthen bonds between Guild members.
Do you believe that OCAG is worth preserving for at least the next 70 years? Why? How do you feel that OCAG best supports the arts in Ocean County? How could it be improved?
Grantmakers require evidence of hands-on involvement from Board members. Can you commit to attend meetings, special events, fundraisers, openings as often as possible? Do you believe you can commit to around eight hours per month in volunteer time (including covering at least two “gallery-sitting” Saturdays per year)?
No single volunteer can do everything, but it is important to consider your likely level of support for at least some of our fund-raising and friend-raising events. Even if you are unable to attend in person, how would you support a major Guild event (some suggestions might be through ticket sales, helping with publicity, soliciting prizes, helping with set-up or decorating…)
Would you be interested in joining or even chairing a Committee? (such as Gallery, Garden, Education, Hospitality, Special Events, Community Outreach, Speakers Series, Musical Performances, Children’s Programs, etc.) Please identify and explain.
Are you interested in spearheading special events, demonstrations, or fundraisers? If so, how will you work to include other members of the Guild?
Can you commit to recruiting new members and/or new audiences—and/or initiating new fund-raising opportunities –and/or publicizing Guild events? Do you have any ideas you’d like to share now?
What is your relationship with other organizations in Ocean County, especially ones that share a similar mission? Would they be willing to vouch for you? If so, please give us some contact information.
Have we missed anything? What more would you like to tell us?

We invite all OCAG members to attend our in-person “Meet the Candidates” event this Sunday, held in conjunction with our August Gallery Opening—come say hello, ask questions, and be part of the process!

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!

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!

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!

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:

7/29, 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!