NEWS

Thank You OCAG Volunteers for Making Sailfest 2025 a Success

On Saturday, September 6, Island Heights came alive with the sights and sounds of Sailfest 2025. Thousands of visitors strolled along the riverfront, enjoying live music, food, craft vendors, and, of course, the sailboat regatta that has made this event a beloved Jersey Shore tradition for more than three decades.

OCAG was proud to be part of this vibrant community celebration, thanks entirely to the dedication of our volunteers. From setting up our booth in the morning, to greeting guests throughout the day, to breaking everything down at night, our members gave their time, creativity, and energy to ensure that OCAG was represented with the warmth and professionalism our Guild is known for.

Our volunteers shared information about upcoming classes, exhibits, and membership opportunities, while also creating a welcoming space for art lovers to connect. Many festivalgoers stopped by to learn more about the Guild, sign up for our mailing list, and browse our offerings.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to every OCAG member who pitched in on Saturday. Your generosity of spirit strengthens both our Guild and the wider community. Sailfest 2025 was a success because of you, and we are already looking forward to returning next year.

September Member Show Opening Reception

OCAG welcomed members, friends, and art enthusiasts to its September Member Show Opening Reception on Sunday, September 7, filling the historic Guild house with energy, conversation, and creativity. From 1–4 p.m., the galleries buzzed as visitors explored a dynamic range of exhibitions that showcased the Guild’s deep talent and broad vision.

In Gallery 1 and the Parlor, the theme “Birds & Boats” inspired a captivating array of interpretations. Each member artist contributed two pieces, and together they created a vibrant tapestry of styles and media, including serene watercolor seascapes hung alongside bold oil paintings, playful mixed-media works, and delicately rendered avian portraits. The theme invited both nostalgia and imagination, encouraging viewers to reflect on the Jersey Shore’s natural beauty and cultural spirit.

The Large Studio featured the luminous watercolors of Michael Scherfen, whose atmospheric washes and nuanced details drew audiences in with quiet intensity. Many guests lingered over his works, remarking on how they seemed to breathe with light and air.

In Gallery 2, longtime Guild member and award-winning photographer Rosemary Dixon was honored with a retrospective of her work. Dixon’s images, such as spanning lighthouses, wildlife, and shoreline vistas, stood as a testament to her decades of dedication to documenting and preserving the coastal landscapes of New Jersey.

The Pop-Up Gallery spotlighted the nationally recognized carving of Nancee Jo Luciani. Her avian decoys, blending folk tradition with contemporary artistry, captured the admiration of guests who marveled at the craftsmanship and character carved into each bird.

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

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!