OCAC happenings

Today begins the installation of Shirley Hawthorne's show. The opening reception will be Friday, October 10. Hawthorne's paintings capture her life and surroundings in many places throughout New Jersey and even Texas. So far the display is dazzling, with rich colors, pleasant vistas, and even some decadant frames. For the locals, the subject matter is especially close. There is a beautiful texture to these paintings, and I encourage all of you to stop in and see this wonderful process take place!



Following Shirley Hawthorne's opening there will be a Pumpkin Painting Party held by instructor Rob Gummel. For those interested in participating it is $7.50 per pumpkin and you must sign up ahead of time. There is a late morning session and an early afternoon one, and you can register over the phone.

Most importantly our Juried Arts Show is quickly approaching. October 15 begins the acceptance period and we welcome artists of all mediums (excluding photography because there is a separate show for that) to submit their work. The opening of the J.A.S. is in November.

Late fall is a very fun and busy time here at the Arts Center and we would love for as many people to be involved as possible, so come out and see us!

survey time!

Last week we began to hand out surveys to students, members, and frequenters of the Arts Center. In order to make our winter session classes (beginning in January) even more fulfilling, we'd like to get a handle on what everyone's opinion is. The survey aims to find out what programs you'd like to see at the Arts Center, any classes you've taken and how much you like them and the instructor, any expectations you have of us, and how effective you find our website to be. Please feel free to ask about it at the desk and pick up a copy of your own. We'd like to do all we can to not only target your needs but really deliver something you want.

Good Intentions

The purpose of this blog is to act as a means of more personal communication between the Arts Center and students or members of the community who frequent the building. We want this to be an open forum for those who wish to voice their opinions, offer suggestions, or just keep current with what we're doing here. Changes are happening here everyday in hopes of maintaining a progressive artistic attitude and position within our shore community. Over the next few months we anticipate the start of some new programs at the Arts Center. We will keep you posted on all of our upcoming events and hope that you will come out to join us for the very exciting times to come! This blog should signify the start of these changes occurring here at the Arts Center. This site will hopefully create a cohesive bond between our institution and our truly valued community. That being said, we would like to do all we can do make sure we're running a place like the Arts Center the best that it can be run, being as it is such a vital asset. This is also an excellent opportunity to take advantage of the fact that we are one of the few places in our area that can serve as a creative outlet on many levels. So, welcome!



*Just a reminder:
Sign ups have begun for the December 4th bus trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the spots fill up fast! $35 includes transportation. Admission is not included, but you pay the minimum suggested donation. Spaces are limited so if you would like to come give us a call and sign up right over the phone. You can find our number on the blog profile. The exhibition is the curators' celebration of three decades of acquisitions entitled The Philippe de Montebello Years.