This Week at the Guild 05/05/2025

NEWS

OCAG Launches New, Redesigned Website!

We are thrilled to announce the official launch of the brand-new Ocean County Artists’ Guild website. It’s the same address with a fresh, modern, and user-friendly design for all things art, events, and membership at OCAG!

Over the past several months, our dedicated team has collaborated with designers and developers to create a site that reflects the vibrancy and talent of our community. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time member, our new site is designed to be your digital front door to the Guild.

What You’ll Find:

Enhanced Artist Profiles – Discover and support local artists with beautiful portfolios and contact information
Interactive Calendar – Easily view upcoming exhibitions, classes, and events
Online Class Registration – Sign up for workshops and youth programs in just a few clicks
Membership Hub – Renew memberships, apply for artist status, or donate—all in one place
Digital Gallery – Browse rotating collections of artwork, available for online viewing and purchase

We invite you to explore the site at www.ocartistsguild.org and let us know what you think. As always, your feedback fuels our growth.

Celebrating the Bonds that Shape Us: OCAG’s May Opening Reception Honors the Theme of “Family”

This past Sunday, OCAG was filled with warmth, creativity, and connection as artists, guests, and community members gathered for a heartfelt opening reception centered around the theme of “Family.” This reception brought together the vibrant talents of OCAG members and special guests, weaving a rich tapestry of visual art, live performance, and community spirit.

“This year’s theme, Family, couldn’t be more fitting,” shared OCAG President Bill Pike, speaking to a full room of attendees. “At the Guild, we are more than just artists — we are a family. We nurture each other’s creativity, celebrate each other’s milestones, and provide support through every phase of our artistic journeys.”

Hilary Klimek and her family, generations of OCAG members.

Art as a Legacy
Among the exhibiting artists is Hilary Klimek, a semi-retired photographer-turned-oil-painter based in central New Jersey. Hilary’s deep reverence for nature and personal connection to her subjects reflect her belief that, “when man and nature are in balance, it can be magical.” Her journey into oil painting is itself a story of familial inspiration and artistic rebirth. After decades behind the camera, it was the pull to explore new mediums that led her to the Center for Contemporary Art in Bedminster, NJ, and later to study with notable artists across Europe. Her works on display captured the emotional undertones that inspired the original photographs — often rooted in moments that felt like home.

Sunset Swan of the Barnegat by Hilary Klimek

Another standout, Abby Levine, presented her exhibit “Tragic Poet: Reconstructions,” a mesmerizing collection built from salvaged wood and layered textures. As a child, Abby dreamed of becoming an archaeologist — a dream she now fulfills metaphorically by piecing together remnants of previous works to form dreamscapes. Her reconstructed worlds evoke nostalgia, storytelling, and the cyclical nature of life — themes deeply resonant with the idea of family history and legacy. “By recreating the cycle of life,” Abby says, “I build new worlds.” Her installation felt like a poetic tribute to the shared memories and evolving stories that unite generations.

Tragic Poet: Reconstructions by Abby Levine

A Celebration of Craft and Sound

Adding to the evening’s vibrant atmosphere was a live demonstration by the Atlantic Shore Wood Turners Association. Guests watched in awe as skilled craftsmen transformed raw wood into functional and beautiful objects right before their eyes. The demo brought an element of tactile artistry to the reception, a reminder that craft — like family — requires patience, care, and hands-on dedication.

The ambiance was elevated even further by the angelic melodies of harpist Linda P, whose live performance brought an ethereal layer to the evening. As guests moved from room to room, absorbing the visual feast of paintings, sculptures, and mixed media, Linda’s harp provided a soothing, emotional soundtrack — evoking the comfort, love, and sometimes bittersweet nostalgia that family brings.

Linda P

A Gathering to Remember
The reception was not just about art — it was about connection. OCAG members, patrons, and newcomers mingled over refreshments, shared stories behind the pieces, and exchanged reflections on what family means to them. It was a multigenerational crowd: parents with children, friends reuniting, longtime members reminiscing, and new ones finding a home.

The Guild itself felt like an extended family that evening — a collective that has weathered change and grown stronger through collaboration. The “Family” theme was interpreted in varied and powerful ways — from literal portraits and depictions of kin, to abstract representations of lineage, memory, conflict, and reconciliation. The Ocean County Artists’ Guild continues to welcome artists and visitors alike to future exhibitions and programs. For those seeking a community where creativity meets camaraderie — and where every member is treated like family — OCAG remains a cherished home.