NEWS
OCAG Featured in Article Celebrating Interfaith Poetry and Peace
David Steinberg (L), Bill Pike (C) and Pastor Karen (R) at the Poetry for Peace event in March 2025.
The OCAG was recently featured in an article by journalist Bob Vosseller for Jersey Shore Online, highlighting its role in co-hosting an evening of poetry and interfaith unity at Island Heights United Methodist Church. The event brought together internationally acclaimed poets Faleeha Hassan and David L. Steinberg for a night of raw emotion, resilience, and hope.
In his article, Vosseller shines a light on how OCAG’s involvement elevated the program from a typical reading to a moving cultural exchange. Bill Pike, representing the Guild, played a key role in organizing the event and bridging the arts with community connection. The coverage serves as a testament to OCAG’s mission of uniting creativity and community—and marks another proud milestone in its growing legacy.
Read Bob Vosseller’s full article here:
https://www.jerseyshoreonline.com/toms-river/poets-of-different-faiths-bring-messages-of-peace-and-hope/
Art by Scott Oldt
Island Heights Resident Scott Oldt to Debut First Solo Watercolor Show in July
OCAG is proud to announce its featured solo show for July: the debut exhibition of watercolor artist and Island Heights resident Scott Oldt. A well-known name in the local marina and business community, Oldt now steps into the spotlight with his first public art show—a deeply personal and joyful expression of his love for water, family, and creativity.
A dedicated sales leader and co-owner of Cozy Cove Marina, Scott is no stranger to the beauty and rhythm of life on the water. But it wasn’t until a watercolor class in 2022 that his long-standing love for drawing evolved into a full-fledged artistic pursuit. Since then, watercolor has become one of his greatest passions.
Oldt’s artwork is a vibrant reflection of his daily environment—especially the serene flow and subtle drama of the Toms River. His paintings reflect not only the physical grace of the waterways but also the calm and energy they offer to those who live alongside them. His upcoming show will feature a variety of work, from finely observed marina scenes to whimsical illustrations that highlight his playful side.
Art by Scott Oldt
The July solo show marks an exciting milestone for both the artist and the Guild, as it welcomes a fresh voice to the local art scene—one rooted in community, family, and a lifelong passion for expression. Don’t miss this chance to experience the watercolor works of Scott Oldt, on display all July long at the OCAG.
Cancelled Classes
Due to extreme heat, Miss Alison’s Children’s June Classes are cancelled this week. Please stay cool and safe!
Sweetwaters Collection 06/26 &06/27
OCAG will be collecting pieces for Sweetwaters: Thursdays and Friday from 1-3:00 PM on dates listed.
The artwork remains up for two months.
Members are allowed to submit up to two pieces, $5 per piece.
As always, please remember to properly wire your pieces and note there is a size limitation for Sweetwaters pieces.
Pieces must fit in a travel bin, so the smallest size cannot be longer than 19”.
Call for Volunteers: Help Shape the Future of OCAG!
Election season is coming up, and OCAG is seeking dedicated members to step up and help guide the Guild through the 2025–2026 year. We’re assembling a slate of passionate individuals who are ready to support the running and promotion of our vibrant creative community.
Are you interested in playing a bigger role at OCAG?
Do you know someone who would be a great fit for a leadership or support position?
Now’s the time to get involved!
Volunteering with the Guild is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact, share your talents, and help steer the direction of our events, outreach, and programming.
More information about open positions, responsibilities, and the election process will be shared soon.
Stay tuned, and thank you for supporting the OCAG!
Call for Art: July Members’ Show at OCAG!
Get ready to show your patriotic colors!
OCAG is now accepting submissions for the July Members’ Show.
We’re giving you an early heads-up so you have plenty of time to create and prepare your pieces.
Suggested Theme: Red, White & Blue
Let the colors of summer and celebration inspire your work!
*While the theme is optional, it’s a fun way to connect your creativity with the spirit of the season.
Artwork Drop-Off:
Wednesday, July 2 & Thursday, July 3
Please sign in and place your work in the large studio.
Entry Fee: $5 for up to 2 pieces
*Important Note: If you have artwork in the June show, please make sure to pick it up before the July 4th holiday.
We can’t wait to see what you create—let your imagination shine in red, white, and blue!
Call for Art: Ocean County 175th Anniversary Art Contest!
The Ocean County Cultural & Heritage Commission invites artists 18 years and older to participate in a special art contest commemorating Ocean County’s 175th Anniversary. Now’s your chance to showcase your talent and celebrate our community’s incredible milestone!
THEME:
“Ocean County at 175 Years is a Great Place to Be”
Submit a two-dimensional original artwork that reflects what makes Ocean County unique, beautiful, or meaningful to you.
IMPORTANT DETAILS:
Submission deadline: October 1, 2025
One image of artwork per artist – All work must be original
PRIZES:
1st Place: $500 gift card to Blick Art Materials
2nd Place: $300 Blick gift card
3rd Place: $150 Blick gift card
Selected artworks will be exhibited as part of the county’s 175th anniversary celebration!
HOW TO ENTER:
Visit the Ocean County Cultural & Heritage Commission’s website for full submission guidelines, entry form, and drop-off information: https://co.ocean.nj.us/frmRegContent.aspx?ID=ab0f3ccd-8127-48e5-b5bf-6343c6999094
Let’s celebrate 175 years of history, community, and creativity—submit your artwork today!
Weekly Calendar
Monday 06/23
Oil Painting: Indirect Method with Michelle Dillon 6:00-8:30pm
Instructor: Michelle Dillon
Ticket: $230
Thursday 06/26
Island Heights Garden Tour Call for Art 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
All submissions DUE by 6/26
OCAG is participating in the Island Heights Garden Tour on June 28th.
We will be displaying floral art on easels on the grounds of the Guild.
If weather is inclement we will move indoors. All art will be for sale.
Drawing by Joseph Rogine
Drawing with Joseph Rogine 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Tickets: $100 Non member – $80 Member
Friday 06/27
Art Chat 2025 (Free Event) Fourth Friday 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Open to Artists of all mediums. Let’s get together to share and talk about our art! Get connected to your local art community! Get feedback from your fellow artists and make new art friends! Let’s talk about what inspires us, the trials and tribulations of being creative, and other topics related to art making, art business and art marketing too! Bring your work – a completed piece or a work in progress.
OCAG 2025 Acoustic Concert Series presents Bill Doerge and Family
June 27, 2025 – 7:00 to 9:00 pm
Galleries open @ 6:30 pm
A MIXED BAG OF FOLK, POP CLASSICS, COUNTRY
Stand-up bass, six and 12-string guitars, mandolins, cello, violin,
wonderful vocals — harmonies and some surprise instruments
Intermission with refreshments available
Please consider a donation to this non-profit for enjoying the concert.
Saturday 06/28
Island Heights Garden Tour 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sunday 06/29
Sunday Portrait Drawing Workshop 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Tickets $15
