NEWS

OCAG September Solo Exhibits: Birds, Boats & Beyond

OCAG invites members and the community to our September Member Show Opening Reception on Sunday, September 7 from 1-4pn. Bring your friends and come see our dynamic lineup of exhibitions, highlighting the diversity and talent of OCAG artists. The galleries will be filled with paintings, photographs, carvings, and watercolors that honor both the Guild’s traditions and its forward-looking creativity.

In Gallery 1 and the Parlor, the September Member’s Show will feature works inspired by the suggested theme “Birds & Boats.” Artists will bring their unique perspectives to the subject, showcasing two pieces each in a wide variety of media. Visitors can expect everything from serene seascapes to imaginative avian portraits.

In the Large Studio, watercolorist Michael Scherfen will display luminous works that capture atmosphere and place with subtle washes of color. His paintings are celebrated for their sensitivity and technical mastery.

Rosemary Dixon

Gallery 2 will present a retrospective of award-winning photography by longtime Guild member Rosemary Dixon. A passionate documenter of New Jersey lighthouses and local wildlife, Dixon spent decades turning her lens toward the Jersey Shore and beyond. Her work has graced NJ Lighthouse calendars, books, and contests, and reflects her lifelong love of nature and preservation.

The Pop-Up Gallery will feature Nancee Jo Luciani, a Jersey Shore native and nationally recognized carver whose avian decoys blend folk art, fine art, and contemporary technique. Luciani’s award-winning woodcarvings are held in collections across the USA, Great Britain, and Australia.

Sign Up Today for Miss Alison’s September Kids Classes at the OCAG

OCAG is once again opening its doors to young creatives with Miss Alison’s children’s art classes, beginning Tuesday, September 9. Classes will be held on Tuesdays from 4:00–5:15 pm (September 9, 16, 23, and 30). The cost is $100 for members and $125 for nonmembers.

Each week, Miss Alison guides students through a new project that blends fun, learning, and imagination. Children will explore painting techniques, experiment with color, and discover different artistic styles while creating a finished masterpiece to take home after every session. More than just art lessons, these classes give kids the confidence to express themselves and the joy of seeing their own creativity come to life on canvas.

Miss Alison is a beloved children’s instructor at OCAG, known for her warmth, encouragement, and ability to inspire budding artists. With a long record of successful classes, she has nurtured and grown the next generation of young creators in the community, helping many discover a lifelong passion for the arts.

Spaces are limited, so parents are encouraged to register early.

Call for Artists: “Allaire Through the Artist’s Eye” Exhibit Opens This Fall

OCAG is pleased to share an exciting opportunity for members to showcase their talents in a special fall exhibition, “Allaire Through the Artist’s Eye.” Presented by the Historic Village at Allaire in collaboration with the Art Society of Monmouth County, this juried exhibit will be on display from September 20 through November 23, 2025 in the Enameling Building at Allaire State Park.

This is the first art exhibition hosted at the Village in many years, and it promises to be a celebration of local creativity. Artists are invited to submit works that highlight or are inspired by Allaire Village in any medium, including oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, photography, mixed media, digital artwork, and drawing.

Online registration is required and runs August 13 through September 12, 2025. Artists may submit up to two entries, with a fee of $10 for the first piece and $5 for the second. Space is limited to the first 50 works received, so early registration is encouraged. Art must not exceed 24” x 30” or 20 pounds, and all entries must be original works (AI-generated art will not be accepted).

Artwork drop-off is scheduled for Friday, September 19 (2–5 pm) and Saturday, September 20 (9–10 am). The exhibition concludes with a special reception on Sunday, November 23 (1–3 pm), honoring a longtime Allaire artist and celebrating all participants.

This exhibit offers OCAG members a unique chance to share their artistry with a wider audience, connect with fellow creatives, and take part in the cultural revival of one of New Jersey’s most cherished historic sites.

For full details and to register, visit allairevillage.org/applications.

Read the Prospectus here: https://allairevillage.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Allaire-Art-Show-Prospectus.pdf

Let’s Make Waves at Sailfest NJ!

Sailfest NJ is back on Saturday, September 6, 2025, in Island Heights — and we want OCAG to show up strong!

As New Jersey’s largest sailing festival drawing thousands of attendees, this is a perfect opportunity for OCAG to connect with the community, showcase local artists, and support a meaningful cause.

We’re looking for an OCAG member (or a small team) to step up as our Sailfest Organizer this year. This role involves coordinating our group’s presence at the event, which may include:

Organizing a tent or display booth
Recruiting OCAG artists to sell or showcase work
Planning live art demos or interactive activities
Coordinating setup, volunteers & logistics
Promoting OCAG’s role in the event

Interested in leading or lending a hand? Email us at info@ocartistsguild.org

Let’s bring our creative energy, and together, we’ll make OCAG shine at Sailfest 2025!

Harvest Moon by Amanda Donovan

Call for Art: Cool Beans Coffee House Exhibit – Sept/Oct 2025

OCAG invites member artists to participate in our upcoming exhibit at Cool Beans Coffee House in Toms River!

Suggested Theme: Harvest Moon
Let your creativity rise with the moon—think autumn landscapes, golden fields, night skies, celestial magic, and the quiet beauty of the changing season. (Only a suggestion, your art doesn’t need to coincide with the theme) All interpretations welcome!

Drop-Off Dates:
OCAG: Tuesday, August 27 & Wednesday, August 28

Location of Exhibit:
Cool Beans Coffee House
1626 Route 37 East, Toms River, NJ

Exhibit runs September–October 2025

Space is limited, so bring your best pieces ready to hang. All artwork should be family-friendly and suitable for a public café setting. Don’t miss this chance to share your work with the community in a warm and welcoming local venue!

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:

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!

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!