July Gallery Reception Celebrates a Wonderful Art and Community

OCAG welcomed members, friends, and visitors on Sunday, July 5, for our July Gallery Reception Opening. July’s galleries offer a wonderful variety of work, showcasing the talent, imagination, and artistic spirit of our community. In the Studio, guests enjoyed F.I.F.A. – Fun, Interesting, Fantastic, Art, a lively exhibition featuring artwork by OCAG Member Artists. In Gallery 1, visitors had the opportunity to view the watercolor paintings of Rose Sinatra, an award-winning Toms River artist and instructor. Gallery 2 features the work of Josh Gutierrez, offering another distinctive artistic perspective for guests to enjoy throughout the month. Our Pop-up Gallery is home to “Small Wonders” by the D.Y.O.T. with Instruction Group. This creative and experimental exhibition group has been exploring different drawing surfaces, mediums, textures, and techniques, resulting in a playful and imaginative collection.

We are pleased to announce the winners of our 2nd People’s Choice Awards:

1st Place: Scott Oldt for “Fancy”
2nd Place: Alexandra Zubritzky for “Secret Fairy Realm”
3rd Place: Sandi Joy for “Seaside Sunrise”

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the July Gallery Reception Opening and helped make the afternoon such a success. It was a beautiful day of art, conversation, friendship, and community. We invite everyone to visit throughout the month to enjoy these inspiring exhibitions and celebrate the artists who make our galleries shine!

Thank You OCAG Sitters!

A heartfelt thank you to our June sitters Sally Cornelison, Susan Mauro, Giana Masi, Susan Clayton, and Margaret Greener for generously volunteering their weekend time so the Guild can remain open on Saturdays and Sundays. If you are interested in volunteering as an OCAG Sitter, please contact info@ocartistsguild.org.

July Classes and Events

July is blooming with creativity at the OCAG, with a full calendar of classes, workshops, gallery events, music, artist gatherings, and opportunities for artists of all ages! Whether you are picking up a brush for the first time, returning to a favorite weekly class, exploring a new medium, or simply looking to enjoy art and community, we have something special waiting for you.

July began with our July Gallery Reception on Sunday, July 5, where we welcomed visitors to enjoy our newest exhibitions and celebrate the artists whose work fills our galleries. Later in the month, take note of important gallery dates, including the Cool Beans Coffee House Exhibit Opportunity (07/28, 07/29), followed by August Members Show Receiving Dates (07/29, 07/30), and a Gallery Meeting/Hanging on 07/31.
Watercolor lovers will find plenty of inspiration in July with instructor Leona Lavone. Her Summer Garden Series Watercolor class meets on Mondays from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm. Leona also leads Sweet Summer Watercolors on Wednesdays from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm. For artists looking for a focused workshop experience, don’t miss her Pen & Ink Workshop on 07/17, or her delightful Whimsical Pets Workshop on 07/ 31.
Drawing opportunities continue throughout the month with Joseph Rogine. His Teen Drawing class meets Mondays 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Artists interested in figure study can attend Drawing the Undraped Figure with Joseph Rogine on 07/11 and 07/25. There is also Saturday Morning Figure Drawing Short Pose on 07/18, along with Lee’s Sunday Portrait Workshop on 07/12, 07/19,07/26.
Young artists have a wonderful place at OCAG this summer with Children’s Summer Classes with Miss Alison on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm, and afternoons from 1:00 to 2:30 pm. Teens can explore printmaking in Teen Linocut Workshop: Carving Out Creativity with Jo Guscott on 07/13.
OCAG’s open studio and creative groups also continue this month, offering artists a welcoming space to work, experiment, and connect. Print Group meets on Tuesdays 12:30 to 4:00 pm, The D.Y.O.T. Group meets Thursdays 10:30 am to 4:00 pm, and D.Y.O.T. with Instruction with Carol Colvin continues on Wednesdays 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm. Oil Painting: All Levels with Debra Kurtz meets Thursdays from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, offering artists the chance to develop their skills in a supportive and creative setting.
Yoga meets Tuesdays from 8:30 to 9:30 am. Art Book Club meets on 07/10, and Art Chat meets 07/24. Kevin Hill & the Secret Sound with Hump Day Trio 07/11, Acoustic Concert 07/17, Song Circle 07/19. Island Heights Cultural & Heritage Association Lecture Series is on 07/20

From watercolor and drawing to music, youth classes, open studios, gallery opportunities, and community gatherings, July at OCAG is full of ways to learn, share, and be inspired. We invite members, artists, families, friends, and visitors to join us throughout the month!

Barbara de la Cuesta’s Going Away Party

Join us as we gather to celebrate and wish Barbara de la Cuesta the very best on her new journey ahead! Barbara’s Going Away Party will be held on Sunday, July 26 at 5:00 PM at the OCAG. Let’s make this farewell unforgettable and send Barbara off with warmth, friendship, and gratitude for all she has shared with our community. Guests are asked to bring a dish to share. Please RSVP to info@ocartistsguild.org.

Call for Art: The Haze Between

OCAG is excited to partner with Icarus Brewing for a special call for art inspired by Jerry Garcia and the theme “The Haze Between.” Artists are invited to submit work digitally for this creative collaboration, which celebrates the spirit, color, music, and imagination connected to Jerry Garcia’s life and legacy. Entry is free, and artwork is due by July 7. The winning artist will receive a T-shirt and a $50 Amazon Gift Card. Please send artwork digitally to info@ocartistsguild.org.

Upcoming Member Show Themes

Here’s a preview of some of the upcoming monthly member show themes and receiving dates.

August: Under the Sea
Receiving Dates: 07/29 & 07/30

September: Artist’s Choice
Receiving Dates: 09/02 & 09/03

November: Chasing Autumn Sunsets
Receiving Dates: 10/28 & 10/29

December: Winter Solstice
Receiving Dates: 12/02 & 12/03

Whether you create paintings, photography, mixed media, sculpture, or more, we encourage all members to participate and showcase their creativity in our monthly exhibits. Start planning your masterpieces now, we can’t wait to see what you create!

Kevin Hill & Secret Sound

Get ready for an afternoon of live music, art, and summer fun at the OCAG! Join us on Saturday, July 11 for an outdoor, all-ages event featuring Kevin Hill & Secret Sound with Hump Day Trio. Gates open at 3 PM, with music from 4–9 PM. Tickets are $20. Bring your friends, enjoy the creative atmosphere, and spend the day soaking up great music by the water at OCAG!

Teen Linocut Workshop

Teens are invited to explore the bold and creative world of printmaking at OCAG’s Teen Linocut Workshop! This hands-on class will introduce students to the basics of linocut and reduction printmaking, giving them the opportunity to learn a fun and expressive art technique. Workshops will be held on Monday, July 13 and Monday, August 17, from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM. The cost is $30 per session, and all supplies are included.

Art Walk Art Show and Sale at Icarus Brewing

OCAG artists are invited to participate in the Art Walk Art Show and Sale at Icarus Brewing on August 8 from 12 to 5 PM. Artists will have the opportunity to showcase and sell their work in the Icarus Beer Garden as part of this creative community event. Set-up begins at 11:30 AM, and tables and easels will be available. The theme for the event is “The Haze Between.” Spots are limited, so interested artists are encouraged to reserve their place soon. To participate, please contact info@ocartistsguild.org.

New Teen Sketch Session with Joseph Rogine

Teens are invited to come draw with Joseph Rogine this summer at the OCAG! This new weekly sketch session is a great opportunity for young artists to build their drawing skills, explore their creativity, and enjoy a relaxed, encouraging studio environment. Classes will be held every Monday from 1:00 PM–3:00 PM. The cost is $20 per session. Students should bring their own sketchbook and pencils. Whether your teen already loves to draw or is looking for a fun creative outlet this summer, this class is a wonderful way to learn, practice, and be inspired!

Juried Photography Show October 2026

OCAG is excited to announce our upcoming Juried Photography Show, coming October 2026! This highly anticipated exhibition will showcase the talent, perspective, and storytelling power of photographers from our creative community and beyond. Whether you capture quiet landscapes, bold street scenes, or striking portraits, this is your opportunity to have your work seen, celebrated, and judged by industry professionals. Stay tuned, more details on submission guidelines, important dates, and the opening reception will be announced soon