Help Support OCAG’s Creative Future

OCAG Executive Director Danielle Archdeacon is reaching out with an important message.

Dear Supporter,

At the Ocean County Artists Guild, we believe that a vibrant, thriving community is one where art and creativity are accessible to all. For over 60 years, we have been a cultural hub, providing quality art exhibitions, inspiring workshops for all ages, as well as a stage for local musicians. We are deeply grateful for your past support and hope you will join us again this year.

Your continued generosity directly fuels the creative spirit in our community. Thanks to donors like you, we are able to continue to provide outreach work within the community, as well as host free events for all at the Guild. Now, we are launching our annual donation drive to ensure we can continue this vital work.

Your support makes a tangible difference: Consider a donation of $50, $100, $500 or more to help continue our beloved Ocean County Artists Guild to thrive. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution today. With your help, we can continue to be a place where creativity flourishes.

You can donate securely online at https://www.ocartistsguild.org/donate/

Thank you for your belief in our mission and for being a vital part of our arts community.

Painting by Jo Guscott

October Member Pop Up Show: Jo Guscott’s Whimsical Scenes

This October, OCAG is proud to highlight the work of New Jersey-based painter and beloved member, Jo Guscott in the pop-up gallery. Jo’s scenic outdoor images stir the senses, blending her lifelong passion for creativity with a fresh, bold approach to painting.

Coming from a family of artists, including a Washington Post cartoonist, Jo grew up surrounded by artistic inspiration. After a 30-year career in special education, she fully embraced her own creative path, studying oil painting at The Perkins Institute in Moorestown, at OCAG, and through Lightscapes Studio online. Today, she also shares her skills by teaching printmaking at OCAG.

Jo’s work has been exhibited in local galleries around her Pine Beach home, and her talents have been recognized with several awards at the local and state level. In addition to OCAG, she is an active member of the Toms River Artist Community, Monmouth Arts, and the Audubon Artists in New York City.

Painting by Jo Guscott

Recently, Jo has been expanding into acrylics, inspired by an online community at Ali Kay Studios. Her pop up show features this exciting new direction of expressive, loose, and boldly colorful works.

Don’t miss this opportunity to see Jo Guscott’s evolving style all month long in our pop up gallery!

Who’s ready for a night of chills and thrills?

We have 2 tickets available for the SOLD-OUT Paranormal Night at OCAG on Saturday, October 4th at 7 PM!

Here’s your chance to experience an evening of ghostly surprises and spirited fun inside the historic OCAG.

🎟️ Bidding starts at $90 per ticket
📧 To place your bid, contact: info@ocartistsguild.org

Hurry! These tickets won’t be available for long.

We Need Your Art!

We are creating a 2026 OCAG Calendar and we want to showcase our members’ incredible talent!

We invite you to submit your artwork digitally to info@ocartistsguild.org by November 3rd, 2025, for consideration. Selected works will be featured in our 2026 calendar, highlighting the creativity and diversity of our artistic community.

This is a wonderful opportunity to have your art celebrated and shared throughout the year while supporting our mission to keep the arts alive in Ocean County.

🖌️ Submission Deadline: November 3, 2025
📧 Email submissions to: info@ocartistsguild.org

Let’s make the 2026 OCAG Calendar a true celebration of our talent! We can’t wait to see your submissions!

Donate Gently Used Digital Cameras to Our Teen Photography Club!

OCAG is building the next generation of photographers and we need your help! Our Pre-Teen/Teen Photography Group is growing, and we are seeking donations of gently used digital cameras to give our young photographers the tools they need to explore their creativity.

If you have a camera that’s collecting dust at home, consider passing it along to inspire the next wave of photographers in our community! Every camera donated helps a teen discover new ways to see the world through the lens of art.

📍 Drop-off Location: 22 Chestnut Ave, Island Heights
📧 Email: info@ocartistsguild.org
📞 Phone: 732-270-3111

Your contribution makes a lasting difference in the lives of young artists. Thank you for helping us keep the arts thriving in Ocean County!

Art Furniture Sale – Special Opportunity from OCAG Member Francine Van Ostrand

Looking to upgrade your studio space or add high-quality, functional art furniture to your creative setup? OCAG member Francine Van Ostrand is selling several gently used, art-related items at excellent prices.

These pieces are perfect for artists, educators, or anyone in need of sturdy, functional furniture designed with creativity in mind. Available items include:

Large Folding Table – $50
Wooden Table Easel – $30
Wooden Outdoor Easel – $50
Unfinished Pine Art Table (Approx. 36” x 42”) – $150
Oak Flat File Cabinet (5 drawers, 42” x 46”) – $1,800

The highlight of this sale is the Oak Flat File Cabinet, a rare and valuable piece ideal for safely storing prints, drawings, and oversized works. Serious artists and collectors alike will appreciate the opportunity to acquire this specialized cabinet, which is often difficult to find.

By purchasing one of these items, you not only equip your space with useful tools but also support a fellow Guild member.

If interested, please call 732-270-3111 or email info@ocartistsguild.org for more details.

Don’t miss this chance to give your art practice a boost with professional-grade furniture that’s ready for a new creative home!

Scarecrows Wanted in Downtown Toms River

OCAG invites our members to join in the fall fun and show off your creativity by participating in the Downtown Toms River Scarecrow Walk!

From October 10th through October 31st, Washington Street will be lined with scarecrows of all shapes, sizes, and personalities, each one a unique work of art created by community members like you.

How it works:

Register – It’s free for everyone!
Read directions on the Downtown Toms River website: www.downtowntomsriver.com/scarecrow-walk
Drop off your scarecrow to be displayed.
Vote for your favorite!

Why participate?

Share your artistic talents in a playful, seasonal way.
Celebrate fall and show support for the community.
Compete for cash prizes up to $200 and a feature on the Downtown Toms River BID website!

This is a wonderful opportunity for OCAG members to highlight our Guild’s creativity while bringing color, humor, and imagination to Downtown Toms River. Whether your scarecrow is whimsical, spooky, or a true artistic masterpiece, it’s sure to bring smiles to families visiting the scarecrow walk.

Let’s fill Washington Street with the spirit of the season and show that OCAG knows how to make art come alive!

Pumpkin Carving Contest & Trick-or-Treat with OCAG

Join us for our Pumpkin Carving Contest &Trick-or-Treat Party on October 30th!

Drop off your Jack-o’-lantern October 29th from 1–5 PM at the Guild, 22 Chestnut Avenue, Island Heights.

Our contest with winners will be announced on October 30.

We need the help of our amazing members and friends to make this event a success!

Ways You Can Help:

Volunteer at the Party– Help us welcome families, collect entries, and keep things running smoothly.
Candy Donations – We’ll be handing out treats to trick-or-treaters and donations of Halloween candy is greatly appreciated!
Hand Out Candy – Help us spread smiles and Halloween cheer by giving treats to the kids.

This is a wonderful way for OCAG to shine as a warm, welcoming part of the Island Heights community.

If you’d like to volunteer or donate candy, please reach out to info@ocartistsguild.org.