Halloween Weekend at OCAG, a Frightening Success!!

OCAG was alive with creativity and community spirit this Halloween weekend as members, families, and visitors gathered for a festive lineup of art, music, and spooky fun. Our historic Victorian home set the perfect backdrop for two lively days of celebration that brought together artists, musicians, and neighbors of all ages.

Saturday evening kicked off the festivities with OCAG’s first outdoor music show in several years with JD Live Presents Be5D featuring Sandy Mack with special guest Blackwolf, a spirited performance that filled the galleries with rhythm and energy. Guests grooved to Grateful Dead tunes, while surrounded by local art and pumpkin displays.

President Archdeacon (L) and Tamara Woronczuk (R) celebrate Halloween at OCAG on Saturday.

Our lawn transformed into a vibrant autumn lounge, with OCAG President Cagney Archdeacon grilling up delicious food, OCAG Executive Director, Danielle Archdeacon selling refreshments, and plenty of dancing and laughter to go around. Trick-or-treaters joined in the fun, stopping by for candy and treats handed out by member volunteers decked out in their best festive costumes. “Thank you to our volunteers that helped and handed out candy to the trick-or-treaters,” said President Archdeacon. “Tonight was a super fun night, and there is more to come!

Standing room only at this week’s opening reception.

Sunday’s November Member Show Opening Reception drew an enthusiastic crowd, with standing room only, as visitors explored a trio of captivating exhibitions. In the Gallery 1, “Prints Charming” showcased the incredible range of our Print Group (Leslie Ovechka, Jo Guscott, Clara Sue Beym, and Michelle D. Dillon), from delicate etchings and linocuts to bold mixed-media works. In Gallery 2, Robert D’Imperio unveiled his latest series of impressionistic mixed-media pieces that merge painting with found objects, inviting viewers to see familiar materials in a fresh, transformative way. And, in the Pop-Up Gallery, Tamara Woronczuk’s “Tamara’s Travels: Adventures in Gouache” transported guests through vivid landscapes and architectural scenes inspired by her journeys near and far.

Kilkenny Cats perform Celtic music on Sunday.

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Kilkenny Cats performed a lively set of Celtic tunes that had everyone tapping their feet and clapping along. The warm blend of art, live music, and community connection created an unforgettable afternoon. A heartfelt thanks goes out to all the artists, volunteers, and performers who made this weekend a success.

November at OCAG: Creativity, Connection & Holiday Spirit

OCAG is buzzing with artistic energy all month long! From festive watercolor workshops and children’s art classes to open studios and musical gatherings, there’s something inspiring happening every week in November.

Gallery Openings & Exhibits: November kicks off with our Member Show Opening Reception on Sunday, November 2, featuring new exhibits in all galleries, including Tamara’s Travels: Adventures in Gouache by Tamara Woronczuk, Prints Charming by the Printmaking Group, and new mixed-media works by Robert D’Imperio. Stop by to meet the artists, explore the shows, and enjoy live Irish-inspired music by the Kilkenny Cats!

Drawing & Painting Workshops: Saturday Morning Figure Drawing, Drawing with Joe Rogine, Pencil, Pastel & Charcoal Course, Sunday Portrait Drawing Workshop, Hodge Still Life: Holiday Edition

Watercolor & Painting Classes: Winter Mornings: Watercolor Magic, Festive Botanicals: Paint the Season in Bloom, Scrape, Print & Drip: Decorating Papers for Handmade Books, Plein Air (Weather Permitting).

Open Studios & Member Favorites: D.Y.O.T. (Do Your Own Thing) Group, D.Y.O.T. with Instruction, Open Paint: Any Medium, Print Group

Special Events & Socials: Art Book Club, Song Circle Music Group

Children’s & Teen Programs: Weekly Children’s Art with Miss Jess, November Children’s Classes, Teen Photography Group,

Wellness & Creativity: Morning Yoga

With so many classes, exhibits, and events, November is the perfect month to cozy up at the Guild, learn something new, and connect with fellow artists.

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 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!