Biannual Members’ Art Show Opening Reception February 15

There is one week left to register and submit artwork for our February Art Show celebrating America’s 250th Birthday!

Artwork Drop-Off Days:

• January 27 | 1 – 4 PM

• January 28 | 1 – 4 PM

• January 29 | 1 – 4 PM

Times may be adjusted, and special arrangements can be made. Please contact info@ocartistsguild.org with any questions.

Please Note

An application is needed from the Office for registration. The following should be included: 1) Name, 2) Address, 3) Phone no., 4) Email
Exact Information for display tag shall read:

Title 1: Name of Work

Rules for Submission

All work must be original, created from your own inspiration not a copy of another’s or a commercial work. Work should not have been shown previously at the Guild and have been created within the last 3 years. No giclee prints.
Pastels, drawings, and watercolors must be matted (preferably white or off-white) and framed and under glass or plexiglass for pieces larger than 18”x24”. Only gallery wrapped (1 ½” depth) canvases will be accepted unframed. Edges must be painted. No work larger than 26”x32” will be accepted.
Our hanging system requires the use of twisted wire with screws secured into the frame approximately 1/4 down the length of the frame. Do not stretch wire tightly. No plastic frames or saw tooth hangers.
All work must be for sale. The Guild receives 25% of all sales.
Labels and signage will be provided.
1-2 pieces may be submitted.
Attention to detail is a must. Smudges on mats, badly joined frames, incorrect sized matting is not acceptable for display.
A reception will be held the first Sunday of February when prizes will be awarded.
A hard copy registration form will be provided on collection dates. Fees will be applied during the regular registration process. Fees are not refundable.
All work should fall into one of these categories: 1) Landscape/Interior 2) Still-life/Floral 3) Abstract/Experimental 4) Portrait/Figure
5) Animal/Wildlife

Thank You for the “Moo-ving Brushstrokes of Love”

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in Leona’s Acrylic Deli Abstracts Workshop in support of Amma’s Dairy Farm Fundraiser. Your creativity, generosity, and joyful spirit helped turn a morning of painting into meaningful support for the care of 300 cows, bulls, and calves at Amma’s Ashram. We are so grateful to our wonderful community for showing up with open hearts, creative hands, and compassion.

Cool Beans Exhibit

Cool Beans in Toms River displays the artwork of OCAG members. The next drop off is January 26 and 27 for the months of February and March. The theme is Heart’s Desire. The theme is a suggested idea to get your artistic blood flowing. You can submit any artwork you like.

When checking in your artwork, please complete an entry in the Cool Beans binder completely, complete an artist/price tag and tape to the back. $5 per piece. Place the money in an envelope and put in the black mailbox for the office processing. Make sure to put your name on the envelope along with Cool Beans and the amount. Mark the binder page paid and initial.

Get ready, the next few months are as follows:

April 2026 – Spring is in the Air – drop off 3/30 and 3/31
June 2026 – Americana – Drop off dates are May 19/20
Aug 2026 – Summer’s End – Drop off dates 7/27 and 28
Oct 2026 – Harvest Fest – Drop off dates Sept 28/29

Make sure the artwork is properly hung with secure screws and metal wire. No pieces larger than 24 x 30″. If you have any questions, contact Terry at TMKonnPHDRT@aol.com. The dates can also be found on the website – search cool beans or check out the calendar.

OCAG Book Drive this February

Clear a little space on your shelves and do some good for our community! This February, the OCAG is teaming up with Better World Books for a Book Drive to support literacy programs across the United States. Every novel, art book, cookbook, or gently used favorite you drop off spreads the joy of reading far beyond our walls.

📅 All February long
📍 Drop off: Tues., Wed., Fri. 12-5pm & Sat. and Sun. 1-4pm

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, 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