OCAG Shines at the Island Heights Townwide Yard Sale!

OCAG had a wonderful day participating in the Island Heights Townwide Yard Sale on Saturday, September 20. This much-loved annual tradition brought shoppers into town, and our Guild made the most of it with a lively presence that reflected our creativity, talent, and community spirit.

Thanks to the incredible efforts of our members, the Guild’s corner location was bustling with activity all day. Visitors stopped by to browse and purchase artwork, pick up charming tchotchkes, and enjoy a variety of tasty food offerings. Families especially loved our face painting station, where kids left smiling with colorful designs painted by our talented artists.

The yard sale was not only a successful fundraiser, but also a wonderful way to introduce new people to OCAG. Many visitors left with Guild flyers and information about upcoming shows, classes, and membership opportunities, helping us extend our reach in the community. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to this event.

Art Furniture Sale – Special Opportunity from OCAG Member Francine Van Ostrand

Looking to upgrade your studio space or add high-quality, functional art furniture to your creative setup? OCAG member Francine Van Ostrand is selling several gently used, art-related items at excellent prices.

These pieces are perfect for artists, educators, or anyone in need of sturdy, functional furniture designed with creativity in mind. Available items include:

Large Folding Table – $50
Wooden Table Easel – $30
Wooden Outdoor Easel – $50
Unfinished Pine Art Table (Approx. 36” x 42”) – $150
Oak Flat File Cabinet (5 drawers, 42” x 46”) – $1,800

The highlight of this sale is the Oak Flat File Cabinet, a rare and valuable piece ideal for safely storing prints, drawings, and oversized works. Serious artists and collectors alike will appreciate the opportunity to acquire this specialized cabinet, which is often difficult to find.

By purchasing one of these items, you not only equip your space with useful tools but also support a fellow Guild member.

If interested, please call 732-270-3111 or email info@ocartistsguild.org for more details.

Don’t miss this chance to give your art practice a boost with professional-grade furniture that’s ready for a new creative home!

Scarecrows Wanted in Downtown Toms River

OCAG invites our members to join in the fall fun and show off your creativity by participating in the Downtown Toms River Scarecrow Walk!

From October 10th through October 31st, Washington Street will be lined with scarecrows of all shapes, sizes, and personalities, each one a unique work of art created by community members like you.

How it works:

Register – It’s free for everyone!
Read directions on the Downtown Toms River website: www.downtowntomsriver.com/scarecrow-walk
Drop off your scarecrow to be displayed.
Vote for your favorite!

Why participate?

Share your artistic talents in a playful, seasonal way.
Celebrate fall and show support for the community.
Compete for cash prizes up to $200 and a feature on the Downtown Toms River BID website!

This is a wonderful opportunity for OCAG members to highlight our Guild’s creativity while bringing color, humor, and imagination to Downtown Toms River. Whether your scarecrow is whimsical, spooky, or a true artistic masterpiece, it’s sure to bring smiles to families visiting the scarecrow walk.

Let’s fill Washington Street with the spirit of the season and show that OCAG knows how to make art come alive!

Pumpkin Carving Contest & Trick-or-Treat with OCAG

Join us for our Pumpkin Carving Contest &Trick-or-Treat Party on October 30th!

Drop off your Jack-o’-lantern October 29th from 1–5 PM at the Guild, 22 Chestnut Avenue, Island Heights.

Our contest with winners will be announced on October 30.

We need the help of our amazing members and friends to make this event a success!

Ways You Can Help:

Volunteer at the Party– Help us welcome families, collect entries, and keep things running smoothly.
Candy Donations – We’ll be handing out treats to trick-or-treaters and donations of Halloween candy is greatly appreciated!
Hand Out Candy – Help us spread smiles and Halloween cheer by giving treats to the kids.

This is a wonderful way for OCAG to shine as a warm, welcoming part of the Island Heights community.

If you’d like to volunteer or donate candy, please reach out to info@ocartistsguild.org.

September Members Show Art

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the September Member Show Opening Reception!

The galleries were alive with creativity, conversation, and community spirit. Special thanks to Janet Frederiksen and Sally Cornelison for their amazing work making the Pop-Up area shine and for keeping everyone welcomed and well-fed.

Guests traveled from near and far, including one member’s family from 2,000 miles away, and even our youngest visitors had a blast discovering the Kids’ Art Room! We are so proud of the range of art and activity that OCAG presents—this show is a true celebration of our talented members.

Sign Up Today for Miss Alison’s September Kids Classes at the OCAG

OCAG is once again opening its doors to young creatives with Miss Alison’s children’s art classes, beginning Tuesday, September 9. Classes will be held on Tuesdays from 4:00–5:15 pm (September 9, 16, 23, and 30). The cost is $100 for members and $125 for nonmembers.

Each week, Miss Alison guides students through a new project that blends fun, learning, and imagination. Children will explore painting techniques, experiment with color, and discover different artistic styles while creating a finished masterpiece to take home after every session. More than just art lessons, these classes give kids the confidence to express themselves and the joy of seeing their own creativity come to life on canvas.

Miss Alison is a beloved children’s instructor at OCAG, known for her warmth, encouragement, and ability to inspire budding artists. With a long record of successful classes, she has nurtured and grown the next generation of young creators in the community, helping many discover a lifelong passion for the arts.

Spaces are limited, so parents are encouraged to register early.

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!