Dead Rabbits Rock the Guild!

What a fantastic afternoon at the OCAG! Dead Rabbits brought incredible energy, blending Celtic roots with Grateful Dead vibes that had the room buzzing. Guests enjoyed great music, good company, and delicious bites like corned beef sandwiches, hot pretzels, and grilled cheese. Thank you to everyone who came out, and to the band for an unforgettable show!

April Member Show: Important Dates and Details

Spring is bringing fresh creativity to the OCAG, and it’s time to start preparing for our April Member’s Show.

Artwork Receiving This Week & Extended Dates

Artwork will be accepted Wednesday, March 25 and Thursday, March 26 from 1–4 PM. To give everyone a little extra time, we’re also extending receiving into next week on Wednesday, April 1 and Thursday, April 2 (1–4 PM). All submitted work will be hung on Friday, April 3, transforming the gallery into a vibrant celebration of member creativity.

April Theme: Artist’s Choice: This month’s suggested theme is “Artist’s Choice”, giving you complete freedom to submit the work that best represents your unique voice and vision.

Submission Reminders
To ensure a smooth receiving process, please remember:
• Sign in at the binder with complete and correct information
• Entry fee is $5 for 2 pieces
• Artwork must be properly wired for hanging
• Include a clearly filled-out label/tag

Opening Reception Date Change
Please note a schedule update: due to the Easter holiday, our Opening Reception has been moved to Sunday, April 12, from 1–4 PM. We look forward to celebrating this month’s show with you then!

Looking Ahead: Monthly Themes for 2026
Mark your calendars and start planning your next pieces—here’s what’s coming up:
• May: Familiar Faces
• June: Artist’s Choice
• July: FIFA OCAG “World Cup” (Still life/cups)
• August: Under the Sea
• September: Artist’s Choice
• October: TBA
• November: Chasing Autumn
• December: Winter Solstice

Whether you’re a longtime member or just getting started, the Member’s Show is a wonderful opportunity to share your work, connect with fellow artists, and be part of the Guild’s creative energy. We can’t wait to see what you bring into the gallery this month!

Paint Beautiful Florals in Oil This Spring

Join Debbie Kurtz for a special Floral Oil Painting Class where you’ll learn techniques for blending colors, working with materials, and creating rich textures that bring blooming florals to life. This welcoming class is perfect for both beginners and experienced artists, offering a relaxed and inspiring environment to grow your skills and explore the timeless beauty of floral painting.

Tuesdays, April 21 – May 26
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Members: $180 | Public: $200

Bring an 11” x 14” smooth canvas or gessoed panel and your oil painting materials, and get ready to create something beautiful. Spots are limited, sign up today!

We Need Sitters this Spring

OCAG thrives because of members like you, and we need volunteers to serve as “OCAG Sitters” this spring. Sitting the gallery is a wonderful way to support OCAG by welcoming visitors, connecting with fellow artists, and spending an afternoon surrounded by beautiful artwork. No heavy lifting required, just a friendly presence and a love for our creative community!

Dates Needed (1:00 – 4:00 PM):

April: 4/4, 4/11, 4/19, 4/25, 4/26

May: 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/17, 5/24, 5/30, 5/31

June: 6/6,6/13, 6/20, 6/21, 6/28

If you’re available for any of these dates, please reach out to info@ocartistsguild.org . Your time and support make a tremendous difference. Thank you for helping keep our doors open and our gallery welcoming to the community!

Soup It Forward This March at OCAG

OCAG is proud to host our “Soup It Forward” Food Drive all month long in support of Fulfill Food Pantry, and we invite our community to help make a difference. Every day, families in Ocean County go to bed hungry. Together, we can help provide fresh meals and essential groceries to those who need them most.

How You Can Help:
Drop off non-perishable food items at OCAG throughout March. All collected donations will be delivered to Fulfill Food Pantry at the end of the month. Donations can be dropped off at Ocean County Artists Guild during normal business hours.

Most Needed Items Include:
• Canned vegetables, beans & soup
• Rice, pasta & cereal
• Shelf-stable milk & baby formula
• Peanut butter & canned protein
• Cooking oil & spices

Garden State Art Weekend
April 17–19, 2026

We are thrilled to be part of Garden State Art Weekend, a statewide celebration connecting communities through art. Join us for a weekend filled with creativity, learning, music, and fun!

Friday, April 17 features Turn Trash into Treasure, an inspiring upcycled watercolor collage workshop with Clara Sue Beym. Spend the day transforming your own watercolor paintings into vibrant new works.

Saturday, April 18 brings a full day of art and energy:

Morning Figure Drawing with an undraped model
FREE afternoon demos featuring woodturning with Cagney Archdeacon, linocut with Jo Guscott, miniatures with Diane Israel and a surprise demo with Leona Lavone
Evening Reception (4–8 PM) with art by Bob Steeler and live music by Blackwolf featuring Bob Steeler of Hot Tuna