Warmest Holiday Wishes from OCAG

Dear OCAG Members and Friends,

As the year comes to a close, we extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for being part of our vibrant, creative community. Your art, energy, generosity, and support are what make the Guild such a special place. We wish you a blessed holiday season filled with joy, creativity, peace, and inspiration.

Please note that the Guild will be closed from December 24 through January 1. We will reopen with normal hours on January 2, 2026. 

Thank you for being part of our family, we look forward to welcoming you back for another exciting year of exhibitions, classes, and community in 2026!

Arlette Malivernier

Arlette Malivernier

January 11, 1931 – December 19, 2025

It is with great sadness that I tell you, my friends and colleagues at the Ocean County Artists Guild, Arlette Malivernier has passed away.

Arlette, a native of France and a long-time resident of Manhattan, was a highly intelligent and supremely talented human being. She was disciplined and skilled in her artistry – oil painting, pastels, colored pencil and printmaking. She moved to Toms River after retirement from the Tourist Industry in New York City. While in New York she attended classes at the prestigious Art Students League and created etchings with other printmakers in studios around Manhattan. She was a devoted member of the Guild, serving on the Board as a Trustee and Treasurer for many years.

Arlette was a dear friend of mine who delighted in our varied conversations. She had knowledge of art history and was up to date on current events. Her joy came from working as an artist and listening to Opera.

I will miss her terribly as I know you will too. May our little Mademoiselle rest in peace.

by Leslie Ovechka

Holiday Jam at the Guild Brings Music, Art, and Community Together

Holiday Jam at the Guild was a joyful, high-energy celebration that filled the OCAG with music, creativity, and the holiday spirit. Presented by JD Live & OCAG, the event brought together artists, musicians, members, and friends from across the community for an unforgettable  evening.

The night featured an all-star lineup with performances by Diomede, Donovan, Penque, Mack, and Rieders, keeping the Guild buzzing with live music and dancing throughout the evening. From soulful jams to crowd-pleasing favorites, the performances created an atmosphere that was both festive and electric.

Beyond the music, guests enjoyed browsing artwork and vendors, shopping for unique holiday gifts, and gathering with friends over food and drinks. The Guild’s galleries were alive with conversation, laughter, and the shared joy of celebrating creativity together. With an all-ages, BYO format, Holiday Jam truly welcomed everyone to take part in the fun.

Two New Classes Launch at the Guild This January

OCAG is kicking off 2026 with two exciting new classes designed to inspire creativity across generations. Whether you’re an adult looking to deepen your oil painting practice or a teen eager to grow artistic skills with guidance and encouragement, January brings fresh opportunities to learn, experiment, and create at the Guild.

Oil Painting with Debra Kurtz / Tuesdays Beginning January 6

OCAG is pleased to welcome Debra Kurtz for an all-levels oil painting class starting Tuesday, January 6, meeting from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM.

Debra is a Parsons School of Design graduate with a professional background as a graphic designer in Manhattan. Her oil paintings have been exhibited at notable venues including the Salmagundi Gallery in Manhattan and the Monmouth Museum. With a lifelong love of fine art, Debra brings both technical expertise and heartfelt passion into the classroom.

In this class, students will enjoy the process of creating oil paintings from their own photographs while strengthening composition and oil painting skills. Artists are encouraged to bring a selection of favorite reference photos along with their canvas and oil painting materials.

🖌 Class Dates: January 6, 13, 20, 27 • February 3, 10
💲 Cost: $180 Members | $230 Public

Register here: https://www.ocartistsguild.org/event/oil-painting-class-all-levels/

New Teen Art Class with Carol Colvin — Mondays Starting January 5

OCAG is also excited to offer a new Teen Art Class, led by Carol Colvin, beginning Monday, January 5, from 3:30–5:30 PM.

Designed for teens who love making art but want more guidance, this class encourages creativity while building strong foundational skills. From saucers to superheroes, students choose their own subject matter, working from personal photo references or images provided by the instructor.

Teens will explore the principles of design, composition, and value using traditional materials, such as drawing pencils, watercolor, acrylic, pastel, or mixed media. The class welcomes experimentation and supports both developing and beginner artists. Students should bring their own materials and creativity. Beginner artists are encouraged to bring a 10” x 12” sketch pad, drawing pencils, and a kneaded eraser. To help tailor instruction, students are asked to bring a few examples of their artwork during the first sessions so learning goals can be discussed.

🎨 Class Details:
🗓 Mondays • January 5 start • 8 weeks
⏰ 3:30–5:30 PM
💲 $200 | $160 with Teen Membership

Register here: https://www.ocartistsguild.org/event/new-teen-class-starting-up/

Weekly Calendar

Tuesday 12/23

Yoga 8:30 am – 9:30 am

$40 for members for the month or $10/session

Print Group 12:00 – 4:30

Monitor: Leslie Ovechka

Tickets: $7 paid to monitor