Art by Lee Stacy

April Gallery Opening Reception Sunday

Join us this Sunday, April 12, from 1–4 PM, for an afternoon of art, conversation, and community as we celebrate our April Member Show and the artists who make it possible.

Featuring Lee Stacy in the Gallery 1

We are proud to feature the work of Lee Stacy, a beloved member and instructor whose impact on the Guild can be felt in every corner of our creative community. Many know Lee as the guiding force behind our Sunday Portrait Drawing Class, where artists gather weekly to grow their skills, build confidence, and find their artistic voice. His thoughtful instruction and genuine passion for teaching have inspired countless artists, and now, we have the opportunity to experience his work in the gallery.

The Legend Comes to Life: Bob Steeler Installation

Gallery 2 and the Pop Up highlights a special art installation by Bob Steeler. Bob has worn many hats in his lifetime, but at his core, he has always been an artist. From abstract and figurative painting to a dynamic career behind the drum kit, his creative journey is extraordinary. He has performed with icons, playing alongside Jerry Garcia, and his art has been exhibited internationally.

Art by Bob Steeler

April Classes and Events at the Guild: Creativity in Full Bloom

Spring has officially arrived at the OCAG, and with it comes an inspiring lineup of classes, workshops, and creative gatherings designed to spark imagination at every level. Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time, refining your technique, or simply looking for a welcoming space to create, April at OCAG is overflowing with opportunity.

Find Your Flow: Painting, Drawing & Creative Exploration

Monotone Mischief in Watercolor: a deep dive into tones and values, helping artists master the art of monochromatic painting.
Do Your Own Thing with Instruction with Carol Colvin offers guided freedom, bring your own project and get expert feedback.
Brush & Bloom: A Watercolor Journey into Spring invites artists of all levels to explore soft washes and florals.
Drawing with Joseph Rogine and ongoing Figure Drawing sessions provide essential practice in observation, proportion, and form.

Workshops That Inspire

Mastering the Art of Framing (4/4) Learn how to professionally present your artwork with guidance from Diane Israel
Gelli Plate Do Your Own Thing (4/11) – A hands-on printmaking session focused on texture, layering, and happy accidents.
Turn Trash into Treasure (4/17) – Transform old paintings into vibrant watercolor collages
Sunday Portrait Drawing Workshop (4/19 &4/26) – A relaxed way to build portrait skills in a supportive setting.

Creativity for Kids

Weekly children’s sessions explore fun seasonal themes like Easter eggs, cherry blossoms, decorated elephants, and Earth Day
Teen artists can dive deeper in Carol Colvin’s Teen Class, where they’re encouraged to develop their own style while strengthening drawing, composition, and color skills.

Community and Connection

Yoga (Tuesdays & Fridays) offers a chance to reset and recharge before or after your studio time.
The Joyful Art Collective (4/24) is a welcoming space to connect with creativity, and simply enjoy the process
Art Book Club (4/10) brings artists together to share inspiration, ideas, and favorite resources.
“Do Your Own Thing” groups (weekday, weekend, and evening editions) offer open creative time with fellow artists

Beat the Creative Slump: Join Our “Boredom Busters” Collage Workshop

Feeling stuck? In a creative rut? Or just looking for something fun, freeing, and a little unexpected? We invite you to shake things up with our Boredom Busters Collage: Creating Funky Figures, a playful, hands-on workshop designed to get your creativity flowing again. Led by instructor Michelle Dillon, this one-day workshop is all about exploration, expression, and letting go of perfection. Using a variety of papers, textures, and imagery, you’ll dive into the world of collage, experimenting with composition, pattern, and storytelling in a way that feels fresh and intuitive. Whether you’re building whimsical characters or abstract figures, the process is designed to spark imagination and surprise you along the way!

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: 4/11, 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!

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