NEWS

Audience members watched films in OCAG studio during the 43rd Annual Thomas Edison Film Festival

Triumphant Weekend for the Arts at OCAG

OCAG was alive with color, creativity, and community spirit this weekend as it played host to a spectacular trifecta of events: Plein Air, 43rd Annual Thomas Edison Film Festival, and Sunday Portrait workshop. With record attendance, stunning artistic talent, and an atmosphere buzzing with appreciation for the arts, the weekend was hailed as one of the Guild’s most successful yet.

Kicking off the weekend, the Plein Air event brought together painters, brushes in hand, to capture the natural beauty of 22 Chestnut Avenue, inspired by its Victorian charm and panoramic water views. The live painting sessions drew curious onlookers and fellow creatives, creating an impromptu open-air gallery that celebrated both the art and the environment.

Cagney Archdeacon worked on his painting at Plein Air.

Saturday evening, OCAG transformed into a cinematic salon for the 43rd Annual Thomas Edison Film Festival. The historic venue welcomed film lovers, artists, and patrons for a curated selection of short films exploring themes of social justice, innovation, and the human experience. Guests gathered for a wine reception before the screening, enjoying conversation and the framed art work lining the gallery walls.

“It was a wonderful evening,” said OCAG President, Bill Pike. “The wine reception set a warm, communal tone, and the short films were absolutely incredible—thought-provoking, moving, and visually stunning. It reminded all of us why visual storytelling in all forms is so important to the shared human experience.”

Audience members watched films at OCAG studio.

This year’s festival entries, ranging from experimental animations to poignant documentaries, received praise for their originality and emotional depth. Audience members lingered afterward to discuss the films, reinforcing the OCAG’s role as a vibrant hub for creative dialogue in Ocean County.

Meanwhile, Sunday’s Portrait workshop featured an eclectic mix of artists capturing the model’s likeness in oil, charcoal, and mixed media.

Artist painting Roman figure during Sunday’s workshop.

With its seamless fusion of visual art, film, and community engagement, this weekend at the OCAG was a celebration of expression in all its forms. The success of the weekend reaffirmed the our goal of being to be a sanctuary for creativity and a cultural cornerstone for Ocean County.

Dive into Color with Terry Konn at the OCAG!

Unleash your inner artist at the OCAG’s Acrylic Pour Workshop on Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM at 22 Chestnut Ave! Whether you’re a seasoned painter or brand new to the world of art, this fun and vibrant workshop led by the talented Terry Konn, OCAG Vice President, is perfect for anyone looking to explore a new technique and create something truly unique.

Acrylic pour painting is a mesmerizing, no-stress form of abstract art that involves pouring fluid paint onto a canvas to create stunning, marble-like designs. Terry will guide participants step by step through this exciting process, sharing tips, tricks, and her infectious enthusiasm for creative expression. It’s not about perfection—it’s about play, discovery, and letting color lead the way.

Expect an afternoon filled with fun, laughter, and artistic interpretation in a supportive and welcoming environment. You’ll walk away with your very own masterpiece to cherish—and the skills to keep pouring at home!

Cost:

Members: $35
Nonmembers: $45

No prior experience needed—just bring your creativity and a willingness to get a little messy!

Make a Splash This Summer at the OCAG Kids Classes

Summer fun is starting at OCAG!

We are kicking off our July Children’s Summer Classes this week, offering young artists a chance to explore their imaginations through hands-on art projects in a vibrant and welcoming setting. Led by the enthusiastic and talented Miss Alison Amelchenko, this eight-week course has classes every Tuesday and Wednesday from 10:30am to 12:00pm or 1:00pm-2:30pm throughout the end of August.

Each session features a unique theme designed to spark curiosity and creativity:

7/15, 7/16 – So Many Seashells

7/22, 7/23 – Boardwalk Food and Fun

7/29, 7/30 – Sand Castles

8/5, 8/6 – Pirates and Mermaids

8/12, 8/13 – Sunglasses Imagery

8/19,8/20 – Boats in the Water

8/26, 8/27 – Lighthouse Silhouette

The program is open to children of all artistic levels, and no prior experience is necessary. Whether your child is a budding Picasso or just looking for a fun new summer activity, the OCAG is the perfect place to create, imagine, and shine. We look forward to seeing your children’s smiling faces all summer long!

Upcoming Classes, Events, and Workshops

Whether you’re a seasoned painter, budding illustrator, or a parent looking for enriching summer activities for your child, OCAG is your creative destination this July! With a full calendar of diverse and inspiring classes, there’s something for everyone at all skill levels to dive into this summer.

Oil and Watercolor
Explore classical technique with Oil Painting: Indirect Method with Michelle Dillon, meeting Monday evenings on July 7 and 28 from 6:00 to 8:30pm.

For watercolor enthusiasts, July offers three courses led by Leona Lavone:

“Unleashing Watercolor Potential” takes place Monday mornings (July 7, 14, 21, 28) from 9:30am to 12:00pm
“Beach Bliss Watercolor” runs Wednesdays (July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30) from 9:00am to 12:00pm, capturing the serenity of the Jersey Shore through soft washes and coastal color palettes.
“Seascapes in Watercolor”, an evening series held Wednesdays (July 16, 23, and 30) from 6:00 to 8:00pm, designed for artists looking to master ocean scenes.

Drawing Classes for Every Level
Figure drawing enthusiasts can enjoy two options this month:

Long Pose Figure Drawing on Tuesdays (July 1 and 15) from 7:00 to 9:00pm
Short Pose Figure Drawing on Saturday July 19 from 10:00am to 12:00pm
Portrait Drawing Workshops offered Sundays (July 6, 13, 20, 27) from 2:00 to 4:00pm.

Children’s Summer Classes
Back by popular demand, the Children’s Summer Classes are now in session! Held every Tuesday and Wednesday from 10:30am to 12:00pm or 1:00pm-2:30pm each class features a fun seasonal theme.

Help Bring Barnegat Light’s History to Life Through Art!

Barnegat Light Museum is inviting local artists to be part of a unique and meaningful project that celebrates the rich history of Barnegat Light.

Artists are invited to submit 3–4 high-quality images of their work by July 14, 2025, for consideration. Selected artists will be assigned one of 22 historic homes or businesses in Barnegat Light to interpret and paint in their own style—but with clear architectural recognizability.

Project Details:

Medium: 4’x4′ exterior-grade plywood panel (provided), painted with weather-safe materials for long-term outdoor display.
Deadline for finished pieces: August 17, 2025
Drop-off location: Wildflowers Art Gallery, Barnegat Light, NJ
Exhibit Opening Reception: August 23, 2025, 4:00–6:00 PM at the Barnegat Light Historical Museum, featuring special guests including museum historians and community elders.

Perks for Participating Artists:

Artwork will be displayed outdoors annually in Barnegat Light from May–September.
Images of completed pieces will be featured in a printed booklet used for a self-guided historical tour of the town—artist name and contact info included.
All artists will receive a $20 paint supply card and the option to pick up prepped 4’x4′ panels at Wildflowers Gallery (July 16–20).
Cash prizes for 1st ($500), 2nd ($250), and 3rd ($100) place winners.

This is a powerful opportunity for artists to make their mark on the cultural and visual legacy of Barnegat Light. If you’re passionate about history, architecture, or storytelling through art, this project is for you.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: July 14, 2025
Please email your work and any social media or website links to: studiowildflowersinthewoods@gmail.com

Let’s honor Barnegat Light’s past—with paint, passion, and purpose!

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!