Congratulations to our Member Artists!

Yesterday was our Member Show Opening Reception. Below is a copy of the opening speech from Tamara Woronczuk.

Good afternoon, I am Tamara Woronczuk and have helped curate this show for about 15 years.

As we were planning this exhibit, we lost a dear friend and member, Arlette Malvernier, who is being honored today in our pop-up gallery. Arlette, with her gravelly Germanic and French accent was an important part f the Guild as a member, an artist, treasurer and friend. She almost made it to 95 and created art up to the end of her life.

Thinking of Arlette led to thoughts of other members we have lost over the last years, people who made such significant contributions to this organization. Do you remember Lilly Wooley and Joanne Zezula who made our annual teas an event fit for royalty? Do you remember Richard Kuchinski who was responsible for beginning our print group? What about the bus trips organized by Faga Fiorini or the charming and effervescent Ellen Scharfenberg who served in so many capacities? How about Louie Rivera who was our go-to guy on the gallery committee? And Hal Stacy an extraordinary artist and passionate member.

And then there are those who are no longer able to be as active as they once were for various reasons – Gerry Ambrose, who formed the basis on which the Gallery Committee still works, Fran Van Ostrand who as a former President and teacher brought her mixed media vision to the Guild, Pauline Mickle and extraordinary painter and teacher, Katie Stacy whose professionalism solidified these walls. Then there’s Anne Marie Dario a former President who blew into the Guild like a dynamo and Wendy Kovacs the great organizer.

And then there are those who are still plugging away bringing their spirit, their talents and their love for this place in to play on a weekly basis – Barbara Delacuesta still making and teaching hand-built pottery, Leona Lavone with her magical vision spread throughout so many fun and engaging classes, Alison Amelchenko without whom our children’s program would flounder, Nancy Lanzel who keeps the D.Y.O.T. group functioning and Kim Cesaretti and extraordinary artist/teacher who runs a book group and monthly critique. Also, Mary Jo Austin, our very own painter of the shore who was instrumental in the creation of this studio and Bob Henne whose talent, calmness, is our voice of reason. And Joe Rogine drawing his way into our hearts.

And I go on – Carol Ann Oporto, a former President and D.Y.O.T. member, always there when needed, Sally Cornelison, teacher, student, Board Member and ever present, Janet Frederiksen who gracefully and purposely leads the Gallery Committee, Jo Guscott who has done and does everything, Terry Konn who is never too tired to work here, and Barbara Marsh, Zenka Sommers, and Ann Gormley, D.Y.O.T. members who show up for everything. Leslie Ovechka, former Board Members and faithful print group member, Carol Colvin an amazing teacher and artist and her sister Helen Webster who always pitches in. Then there’s Lee Stacy who has taken our figure drawing group to heights of glory. Please forgive me if I have forgotten anyone. You are appreciated and loved.

In the years I have been a member it has been a special honor to know and work with these artists. They are the heart, soul and guts of the Guild.

And speaking of heart, soul and guts I want to close with thanking Cagney and Danielle Archdeacon who work so hard with so much love for this organization. We love and appreciate their enthusiasm and youth. They will take us into our future. But please understand that they cannot do it alone. The Guild needs your help, they need help and so in closing I am going to ask you to reflect on your journey as a member here. We always need money but even more we need support. So, look into your heart, into your schedule and perhaps help us out by doing one thing this year? We need receptionists on the weekends, can you spare 3 hours? We need attention to House and Grounds – the Gallery Committee could use a few new members, do you have computer skills, what about grant writing, can you turn up at Sailfest of the Holiday event for a few hours? We need help, we need your help to be able to continue to fill the need for art here in Ocean County. Please think about this as you view the exhibit today and contemplate the role the Guild has in your life.

Diane Israel, Jo Guscott, Carol Ann Oporto, Janet Frederiksen, Debra Kurtz, Sally Cornelison thank you for your help hanging this show. It was a challenge. And Kathy Landmesser for feeding us so eloquently.

Now to get on with today’s festivities I would like to introduce Cagney Archdeacon, our President who will present the awards and Barbara Russo and David Levy our judges who bring years of experience and talent to the job.

And the winners are:

Best In Show:
Artist: Ben Collura
Title: Transfiguration

Abstract/Experimental:
Artist: Robert D’Imperio
Title: Discord

Animal/Wildlife:
Artist: Sheila Soyster
Title: Tranquility

Landscape/Interior:
Artist: Debra Kurtz
Title: O Beautiful of Spacious Skies

Portrait/Figure:
Artist: Jo Guscott
Title: On Starboard Tack

Still-Life/Floral:
Artist: Ann Gormley
Title: Flowers Dancing in the Wind

Honorable Mention:
Artist: Melinda Saminski
Title: Spirit of Freedom

Honorable Mention:
Artist: Victoria Butow
Title: Tufted Titmouse of North America

Joyful Art Workshop This Friday

Join us for our Joyful Art Workshop on Friday, February 20th from 10 AM – 1 PM and reconnect with the playful, curious artist inside you. This relaxed, laughter-filled workshop is all about expression, not perfection. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or someone who “hasn’t picked up a brush in years,” you’ll leave inspired, energized, and proud of what you’ve created.

Join Us for Our First Member Meeting of 2026!

Join us for our first OCAG Member Meeting of the year on Saturday, February 28 at 11:00 AM. This is your chance to meet the Board, connect with fellow artists, and hear what’s ahead in 2026. We’ll be sharing updates, goals, and volunteering opportunities. Come say hello, ask questions, and help shape the future of the Guild.

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