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.

November Member Show Sneak Peak: Prints Charming

On November 2, 2005, the OCAG invites you to fall under the spell of “Prints Charming,” a delightful showcase from our Printmaking Group . Featuring new linocut, hand-pulled prints, the exhibition highlights the imagination and craftsmanship of four talented OCAG artists: Leslie Ovechka, Jo Guscott, Clara Sue Beym, and Michelle D. Dillon.

Each artist brings their own unique perspective to this timeless printmaking technique. From tranquil coastal scenes to whimsical creatures and tender moments of daily life, their works celebrate the magic of storytelling through color, texture, and form.

Experience the happily ever after of handmade prints and see how these artists transform simple blocks into charming worlds of art.

Jingle & Mingle Holiday Market at OCAG!

The halls of OCAG will be decked with art, cheer, and holiday spirit on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 10 AM to 4 PM! Join us for a day of festive fun at our Jingle & Mingle Holiday Market, featuring free pictures with Santa, arts and crafts vendors, homemade baked goods, and children’s crafts with Santa’s elves. Bring your family and friends for a merry day of shopping, creativity, and community in our beautifully decorated Victorian home!

Calling All Member Vendors!

OCAG members are invited to be part of this beloved holiday tradition. Share your handmade art, crafts, jewelry, or seasonal goods at our cheerful market. Tables are just $40 for one / $70 for two, and registration is open now through November 7 at info@ocartistsguild.org. After that, space opens to the public—so reserve your spot today!

Help Us Deck the Halls!

We’re also asking for donations of Christmas decorations to help transform our Victorian Lady into a winter wonderland. Your garlands, ornaments, and festive trimmings will bring holiday magic to every corner of the Guild. If you’d like to donate, please reach out to Danielle at info@ocartistsguild.org. Come shop, sip, and celebrate creativity this holiday season at OCAG, where art and joy shine brightest together!

Calling All Artists & Instructors!

Are you passionate about sharing your creative skills? OCAG is looking for artists, makers, and instructors to lead classes and workshops in the upcoming season! Whether you specialize in painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, fiber arts, or something totally unique, we’d love to hear from you.

We’re currently scheduling for January, February, and March, and we’re always open to fresh ideas that inspire our creative community. If you or someone you know would be a great fit to teach at OCAG, please reach out to Danielle at info@ocartistsguild.org to discuss your proposal. Let’s make 2026 a year filled with creativity, learning, and artistic connection!

We Need OCAG “Sitters” for December

Love art and want to be part of the Guild’s welcoming spirit? We’re looking for member volunteers to serve as “Sitters” on weekends in December! Sitters help greet visitors, share information about our exhibits, and assist with art sales while keeping our beautiful Victorian home open to the public. It’s a fun, easy way to get involved, meet fellow art lovers, and support our mission to keep art alive in the community.

🖋️ Sign up today on SignUpGenius!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F44A8AE2CA4FBC07-59630914-december

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!

Call for Art: “Autumn Tones” at Garden State Distillery

OCAG is thrilled to partner with the Toms River Artist Community (TRAC) for a special fall exhibition, “Autumn Tones,” at Garden State Distillery this November!

This collaborative show invites OCAG members to celebrate the warmth, beauty, and color of the season through their art.

All mediums are welcome. Selected works will be on view for the entire month of November at Garden State Distillery in downtown Toms River.

Receiving Dates: October 28 & 29, 12:00–5:00 PM at OCAG
Entry Fee: $5 per piece
Theme: Autumn Tones

Don’t miss this opportunity to share your work in a lively local venue and connect with our creative community! For details, email info@ocartistsguild.org or call 732-270-3111.

Pumpkin Decorating Party at OCAG!

Looking for a new “Canvas” for your art? Come experiment on our PUMPKINS! October 28th, 5:30pm, we’ll be providing pumpkins for you to decorate with paint or by carving (paint and carving implements provided). $20 per pumpkin gets you a pumpkin, implements, snacks, music, beverages and a few XTRA activities for fun! $10 gets you into the party with your own pumpkin, or just to have a good time with fun people. Then you can take your pumpkin home with you, or leave it to be included in our PUMPKIN CONTEST on October 30th!

💰 $20 per pumpkin / $10 entry donation
📍 22 Chestnut Ave, Island Heights
🔗 Sign up at https://www.ocartistsguild.org/event/pumpkin-decorating-party/

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.