August People’s Choice Winners

August Gallery Reception

We welcomed artists, members, friends, and visitors on Sunday for an inspiring afternoon celebrating the opening of our August exhibitions. Guests enjoyed a wonderfully diverse collection of photography, painting, mixed media, and imaginative ocean-inspired artwork throughout the Guild’s galleries. The reception was a wonderful opportunity to meet the featured artists, reconnect with fellow members, and celebrate the creativity that continues to thrive within the OCAG community. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the August opening such a memorable afternoon!

Studio: “Under the Sea”

In the Studio, the August theme, “Under the Sea,” invited OCAG artists to explore the beauty, mystery, color, and movement of the ocean. From whimsical sea creatures to peaceful underwater scenes, the exhibition showcased the creativity and individual perspectives of our talented members.

Gallery 1: Jessica Murga

Gallery 1 featured the work of photographer and art educator Jessica Murga, whose innovative pieces combine photography with embroidery and other unconventional materials. By introducing texture and tactile details to familiar images, Jessica challenges traditional boundaries and encourages viewers to experience photography in an entirely new way.

Gallery 2: Deb Savo

In Gallery 2, visitors enjoyed the luminous paintings of Deborah “Deb” Savo. Inspired by the beauty of Impressionist light, Deb’s work includes expressive portraits, landscapes, and other subjects that reflect her extensive background in illustration, design, and painting.

Pop-Up Gallery: Leona Lavone

The Pop-Up Gallery presented the joyful work of artist and instructor Leona Lavone, whose philosophy, “Art Keeps You Young at Heart,” could be felt throughout her colorful and uplifting collection. Her work celebrates experimentation, imagination, and the simple pleasure of creating.

People’s Choice Award Winners

Congratulates our August People’s Choice Award winners from the “Under the Sea” Members Show:

First Place: “Ollie” by Nancy Lanzel
Second Place: “Cat Neptune & the Lost Sanctuary of Souls” by Suzanne Coreen Kelly
Third Place: “Sea Turtle and Sequins” by Janet Frederiksen

Congratulations to our winners and to all the artists who shared their creative interpretations of life beneath the waves!

July Art Sales

A big round of applause to our talented OCAG artists whose artwork found new homes during the month of July! Every sale is a wonderful achievement and a reminder that your creativity continues to inspire our community. Congratulations to:

Carol Colvin

Barbara de la Cuesta

Michelle Dillon

Josh Gutierrez

Margaret Klaslo

Rose Sinatra

Tamara Woronczuk

August Brings a Full Calendar of Creativity to OCAG

August is shaping up to be a busy and inspiring month at the OCAG, with classes, workshops, exhibitions, and community events for artists of all ages and experience levels.

Members and visitors can explore a wide range of creative opportunities, including watercolor classes with Leona Lavone, drawing with Joseph Rogine, oil painting with Debra Kurtz, figure drawing sessions, portrait workshops, printmaking, and several Do Your Own Thing gatherings. Young artists can also enjoy Tuesday and Wednesday children’s summer sessions featuring imaginative projects such as carousel animals, sea creatures, messages in the sand, and shellscapes.

Special workshops throughout the month include the Joyful Art Collective, a whimsical altered-book art journal workshop, a teen linocut class with Jo Guscott, and a one-day decoy carving seminar with Jode Hillman. Artists will also have opportunities to connect through Art Book Club, Art Chat,and the Icarus Brewing Art Walk,.

Our event calendar also features a Song Circle, the Island Heights Cultural and Heritage Lecture Series, the Ocean County Art and History Round Table, and an acoustic concert. With so many ways to learn, create, and connect, August offers something for everyone at OCAG!

Art by Bob Henne

It’s Sailfest Time, We Need a Volunteer Leader

It’s that time of year again, Sailfest is coming up on September 12!

Sailfest is always a wonderful, well-attended community event, and a great opportunity to show the public just how important the Ocean County Artists’ Guild is to our local arts community. We are looking for an enthusiastic volunteer to spearhead OCAG’s participation this year.

The event leader’s responsibilities will include coordinating with other OCAG volunteers, helping with table setup and breakdown, monitoring the Guild’s table, assisting with children’s crafts, and promoting the Guild, our programs, and our creative community throughout the event.

This is always a fun and successful day, and we are excited to make this year’s Sailfest another great one!

Please register to volunteer by contacting info@ocartistsguild.org.

Let’s come together and show the community what makes OCAG so special!

Important Members’ Show Reminder: All artwork entered in the Members’ Show must be priced and available for sale. Please be sure to include a sale price with every submission.

Congratulations to Bob Henne for being the Sailfest art winner!

Important Update Membership Price Increase

Dear Members and Friends,

Please note that OCAG membership rates increased effective July 14, 2026.

The updated annual membership fees are:

Single Membership: $60

Couple Membership: $80

Family Membership: $85

Patron Membership: $72

Teen Membership: $30

Membership dues play an important role in supporting our exhibitions, classes, programs, and creative community. We sincerely appreciate your continued support!

Important Reminder for Exhibiting Artists

If you are preparing to submit artwork for an upcoming Members’ Show, please make sure your OCAG membership is active and your dues are current. All participating artists must have an active membership at the time of hanging and installation. Artwork submitted by anyone whose membership is not current will not be displayed. To renew your membership or complete your submission, please visit the OCAG Shop. Thank you for helping us keep the exhibition process running smoothly. We look forward to showcasing your work!

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.

Upcoming Member Show Themes

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

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!

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.

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