NEWS

September Brings Art, Music, and Inspiration to the OCAG

September is brimming with creativity at the OCAG, and we invite members and friends to join us for a month filled with art, music, and community!

Start your week with relaxation and focus. Our Yoga sessions offer a perfect way to ground your creative energy. Throughout the month, our Print Group and Do Your Own Thing (DYOT) sessions provide open studio time for artists to explore, create, and connect.

For those who love learning, the Guild is offering an exciting lineup of classes. Loose as a Goose Free-Flow Watercolor, Delicious Desserts: Sweet Watercolor Creations, and Autumn Inspirations: Watercolor Wonders bring fresh seasonal inspiration to your palette. Children can get in on the fun too, with weekly September art classes designed just for them.

Special events highlight the vibrancy of our community. Don’t miss the Gallery Opening Reception on September 7, where you can meet fellow artists and see new works on display. Music lovers will enjoy the Acoustic Concert (Sept. 19) and Song Circle Music Group (Sept. 21). Art and relaxation come together at our Sunset Paint & Sip (Sept. 26), the perfect evening for friends and creativity.

Round out the month with Art Chat, a free, open conversation about art, and a variety of weekend figure drawing and portrait workshops.

Come by the Guild this September! Whether you’re here to learn, to create, or simply to be inspired, there’s something for everyone.

Check out our full calendar here to register: https://www.ocartistsguild.org/events/

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

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!

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!