Open Eyes, Open Ears

2009-12-09T14:08:00.001-05:00

Curatorial Statement

In recent years there has been an uprising of unconventional art forms within schools of lesser known and even by highly regarded artists. The idea of repurposing is not only a current trend—as we’re all looking to be a part of something environmentally conscious—but it’s an innovative and fun method of converting everyday and often overlooked items into art; reaffirming the idea that art in fact is all around.

Repurposing artists take that social more literally—using items such as old jeans, telephones, and computer keyboards and quilting, sewing, and molding them together. They have created the “sightly” from materials often considered unsightly.

This biannual show is indicative of just this, and our artists this year are fulfilling these ideas, placing a contemporary spin on the trompe l’oeil… making repurposing the new double-take.

With topics arising and being more ever-present in the last three years regarding the sustainability of Contemporary Art, we’ve chosen to take a few steps forward by dedicating a month to this friendly craft.

Repurposed art boasts the importance of redeveloping what already exists and reconsidering the usefulness of what is readily available in our everyday lives. These found and assembled objects are prime examples of the true immediacy of art in the modern world. “Repurposed, Rethought” as a title and statement is a reiteration of exactly this. We’re providing a way to view a new mode of present-day artistic thought rooted in concerns with a global perspective.

Some words from our Director

2009-11-09T13:22:00.006-05:00

"Old Shore Sunset" by Chun-Yan Hilyard. This oil painting won 2nd place in this year's Juried Art Show.

Dear Friends of OCAC,

Our emotions have been forefront, our general routine "back staged" as we--the Art Community of South Jersey--faced a tragic loss last week. One of our most active and enthusiastic visual artists passed away, Chun-Yan "Kim" Hilyard. To say that she has already brought this art community together does not passify our emptiness, nor our saddened hearts. However, in this short time, she has already done that. We would rather have her smile, her charismatic social magic bringing us together, as she had begun to do already.

We proceeded Friday evening with our Juried Art Show Awards Ceremony and Exhibit opening. And, yes, the three judges who did not know her on October 23rd when they chose the 50 pieces accepted into the show, as well as the winners of the awards, chose Chun-Yan as the recipient of the 2nd Place Award. Therefore, with the need for gathering to console, as well as the promise to attending artists to announce our winners, we decided to leave the 2nd Place Winner to be announced last, by President of the Board of Trustees, Jack Devine. He allowed a minute's time of silence, then I spoke briefly and invited others to share if they wished. And they did. The gallery became our gathering place to honor and share our time and our impressions that Kim left with us. One even came prepared with enlarged photos she took of Kim on one of the many excursions painting with the high tide rising.

I would like to share with the blogging community the words I spoke on Friday night (Nov. 6, 2009 8pm):

IT HAS BEEN OUR PRIVILEGE TO HAVE THE WORK OF CHUN-YAN HILYARD ON THESE VERY WALLS, JUST 2 SHORT MONTHS AGO. IT WILL NOT COME AS A SURPRISE TO ANY OF YOU WHO KNEW HER THAT HER SINGLE ARTIST SHOW’S OPENING HOSTED ONE OF THE LARGEST NUMBER OF ATTENDEES IN THE ARTS CENTER’S HISTORY OF SINGLE SHOWS. CLEARLY, THE DEPTH OF HER PASSIONS INCLUDED NOT JUST THE NEED FOR VISUAL CREATIVITY, BUT THE JOY OF SHARING AND INTERACTING WITH OTHERS WHO ARE DRIVEN BY THE ARTS. AND SO, MANY OF HER ARTIST FRIENDS WHO MET HER IN THE OUTDOORS AND ENJOYED PAINTING PLEIN AIR STYLE WERE AT HER EXHIBIT OPENING, AND MANY OF YOU ARE HERE THIS EVENING.

LIKE YOU, WE HAVE NOT HAD AMPLE TIME TO ALLOW THIS LOSS TO SINK IN. BUT BECAUSE WE ARE GATHERED HERE THIS EVENING, PERHAPS IT IS OF SOME CONSOLATION THAT WE CELEBRATE THE ART OF ONE OF US WHO IS GONE. WE WILL NEVER SEE HER WORK THE SAME WAY AGAIN. IN VIEWING HER BRUSH STROKES, WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO RELIVE AND TO ENJOY HER UNIQUE PASSION, AND THE BEAUTIFUL QUALITIES OF THIS GRACIOUS, ENTHUSIASTIC, WOMAN WE CALLED OUR FRIEND “KIM”—CHUN-YAN HILYARD.

IN SPECIAL TRIBUTE AND REMEMBRANCE OF CHUN-YAN, THE ARTS CENTER WILL PURCHASE HER PAINTING “LIGHT AND SHADOW” AS THE NEWEST ADDITION TO OUR PERMANENT COLLECTION.

IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE, PLEASE FEEL FREE AT THIS TIME TO SPEAK TO US.

Sincerely,

Lorraine Hansen
Executive Director, Ocean City Arts Center

Recap

2009-09-28T09:51:00.002-04:00

The poetry reading this past Friday was a great success. It was an honor to host such wonderful writers and readers, and we hope to maintain the lines of communication with both men. The Arts Center would like to extend many thanks to the women of Sunrose Words and Music for bringing all the lovely books and helping with the book signing, and Paula Angelo and Connie Smedley for providing some of the food we had for the event.

It is happenings much like this that reinforce our mission so much. We are also reminded of the importance of the literary arts, the power of the written word, and the true immediacy of language.

2 days left

2009-09-23T09:54:00.002-04:00

until Mark Doty and Paul Lisicky are here!

7pm this Friday, Sept. 25th for $5

Repurposed Art

2009-09-14T09:20:00.000-04:00

The Ocean City Arts Center is in the process of organizing a Repurposed Art Show in February of 2010. Are you an artist who works in this new(er) medium? Contact us!

Time to start counting down...

2009-09-03T14:36:00.002-04:00

There are only 11 short days until our Fall Class Session begins. Become a part of the Ocean City Arts Center Studio School and enhance the world around you by training an artistic eye and mind.

Classes are available online here.

What are we doing? Follow us here.

Stop in and see the paintings and drawings of local artist Chun-Yan Hilyard. Her colorful and insightful works have filled our gallery with a true sense of the upcoming season; and her landscape and portrait studies truly exemplify her curious and inquisitive nature. A Meet the Artist Reception will be held Friday, September 11, 2009 from 6:30-8:30.

67 Degrees on Monday, August 31, 2009

2009-08-31T12:46:00.002-04:00

On any other day the temperature may seem irrelevant but what it means right now is that fall is just around the corner. With a certain crispness in the air today, we are preparing more and more each day for the upcoming class session. The fall schedule of classes, events, and workshops is now available at the Arts Center and in the OC Sentinel in print, as well as online.

As always we've got a few new teachers to introduce to you. John Benigno, professional photographer from the Philadephia area, is joining our faculty for an all-day Saturday workshop where photography enthusiasts will learn about how to go beyond the lens and into the space and subject thus creating an even better photograph. We've also got Robert Baker, graduate of Temple University's music school, teaching guitar and bass here.

Notable highlights are of course the aforementioned reading by Mark Doty and Paul Lisicky on September 25th, the Dia de los Muertos craft party on Saturday October 14th, and November's Annual Juried Art Show which has also been mentioned in previous posts.

We invite you to view the class and event schedule online, call and register by phone or in person at the Arts Center, or send us an e-mail with any questions or comments: jadel@oceancityartscenter.org

Today is also the final day to view Urban Origins. Tomorrow our September exhibitor Chun-Yan Hilyard will be installing her work in our gallery. Join us Friday, September 11th from 6:30-8:30 for a Meet the Artist Reception.

From Atlantis and beyond...

2009-08-25T12:13:00.011-04:00

(a note from our President, Dr. Jack Devine)

The Ocean City Arts Center is proud to announce another in its series of readings of world-renowned poets. This will be a joint reading by Mark Doty and Paul Lisicky. Doty is the winner of the 2008 National Book Award for Poetry for his collection of poems entitled "Fire to Fire." Paul Lisicky is the author of several widely acclaimed memoirs. Both men are professors of literature. They live in the Chelsea district of Manhattan.

Doty and Lisicky join the Arts Center's list of prestigious poets who have read there, including the late A.R. Ammons (National Book Award winner), and Pulitzer Prize winners Stephen Dunn, John Ashbery, and Paul Muldoon.

What is especially interesting about Mark Doty and Paul Lisicky is that they have a great feeling for Ocean City. Lisicky in particular spent several summers here while growing up. In fact, when Doty and Lisicky bought a summer home in Fire Island Pines on the south shore of Long Island, N.Y. in 2007, Lisicky noted in a New York Times interview that the house they purchased, a 1960s contemporary ranch house, " . . . reminded [him] of his family's summer home in Ocean City, N.J." When I contacted the two men several years ago about a possible reading, Lisicky wrote back with a score of fond memories of Ocean City in the summer--Hogate's restaurant, the boardwalk, etc.

Both writers will be reading a selection of work at the Ocean City Arts Center on September 25, 2009 at 7:00 PM. The cost is $5, and the event is for all ages. We are located at 1735 Simpson Avenue in Ocean City, NJ. For more information feel free to contact us at 609.399.7628 or via e-mail: JadeL@oceancityartscenter.org

We'd like to extend a thank you to the Ocean City Free Public Library for sponsoring this event.

Photo credit: Rachel Philipson

The Wind Down

2009-08-21T19:01:00.007-04:00

Summer is winding down and fall is just around the corner. August is the best way to end the summer for us at the Arts Center as Art Camps are coming to a close and the Boardwalk Art Show almost gathers us all together to bid farewell to the past few months and lead us into something fantastic. Urban Origins, an exhibition of the black and white photography of Devin Yalkin will be uninstalled in a week and our September show will be going up. To view videos regarding the BAS and Devin, visit here or here.

If you visit our website you can find out new list of fall classes in the visual and performing arts, including workshops and private lessons. There you will also find a sneak preview of upcoming gallery events.

Most importantly it's time to start getting in gear for our Annual Juried Fine Art Show, which will be on display November 2 - 30. We'll be accepting work from regional artists (NJ, DE, PA, MD, NY) OCtober 14 - 21. Contact the Arts Center for any information you may need!

TWO DAYS UNTIL THE BOARDWALK ART SHOW

2009-08-05T10:12:00.005-04:00

IT'S GOING TO BE

IN TENTS

FOUR MORE DAYS TO GO...

2009-08-03T09:55:00.001-04:00

'TIL THE 47TH ANNUAL BOARDWALK ART SHOW!

Can't you tell we're excited?

A few updates

2009-07-29T10:54:00.002-04:00

There are a startling 9 days left before our 47th Annual Boardwalk Art Show commences, and let me tell you, the nervous excitement is stirring!

For those of you interested in fall classes, our class listing for the upcoming months will be available online August 17th and in print (tentatively) Thursday, August 20th, the 27th at the outside latest.

Fall Classes are scheduled to begin Monday, September 14. Check in with us for more information as things are changing all the time.

Can you believe it?!

2009-07-28T16:30:00.003-04:00

10 days left until
The 47th Annual
Boardwalk Art Show!

New Camps This Week

2009-07-27T15:06:00.001-04:00

Future Art Camp with Rob Gummel
and the first TV News Basics with NBC TV-40's own Phaedra Laird and Ben Parsons.

The upcoming weeks

2009-07-27T14:59:00.002-04:00

are going to be very busy and very exciting as our 47th Annual Boardwalk Art Show approaches. There are a lot of new things to be seen this year; new artists, a new logo, new staff members and volunteers. The day everything begins is Friday, August 7th. Set up starts at dawn, and the fun will ensue shortly after. This year's judges are last summer's July exhibitor Tom Birkner, past exhibitor Sarah Becktel, and this year's Juried Photography Show judge John Beningno.

Will you be out on the Boardwalk?

Don't forget...

2009-07-15T11:52:00.003-04:00

Our Wednesday Workshops! Every Wednesday throughout the entire summer we'll have 3 hour craft workshops with Bette McCarron for $35 each.

Boardwalk Art Show has gone international

2009-07-15T10:40:00.001-04:00

This year's BAS is especially exciting now that we've got a number of artists commuting from all over the country as well as internationally. People are coming in from as far west as Hawaii and New Mexico, and as north as Canada! Join us this year on the fabulous Ocean City Boardwalk Friday through Sunday, August 7, 8, and 9.

ALSO: The application deadline for the 47th Annual BAS has been extended to July 31.
Call 609.399.7628 for more information.

Facebook Boost!

2009-07-15T09:44:00.000-04:00

In the last day, the Ocean City Arts Center has gained SEVENTY fans on Facebook! This is so exciting to us. Our Facebook Fan page will allow us to make announcements more effectively and gauge the number of people who receive updates in a more exact manner. We would like to thank everyone who has accepted the request of becoming a fan and friend of the Arts Center, WELCOME!

Pollock would be proud...

2009-07-14T13:09:00.000-04:00

Today is one of the busiest days I've seen around the OC Cultural Community Center (you know, the large building on Simpson Avenue that is home to us and a few other choice venues). It's about 81 degrees, tremendously sunny, and the parking lot is COMPLETELY full -- this renovation is an exciting process but it sure is a pain! With my arms wrapped around two Boardwalk Art Show banners for our upcoming event I approach the stairs that lead up into our building. The first thing I see are "wet floor" signs, and Lorraine (our director) and Alex (our volunteer) surrounded by bright peach paint ALL OVER the cement ground.

What had happened was that they intended to paint an old filing cabinet this pretty peachy color, and when the cart that was moving the piece of furniture snagged on one of the placks on the ground the can of paint took flight and went SPLAT right onto the ground.

But hey, we're an Arts Center? Instead of blood in our veins, we have paint (and other materials!). Because the whole facade of the building is going to change over the course of the next year, we made the best of what could have been (and was to some people going in and out of the library this afternoon) a rather unpleasant situation. Come sundown our little project will be finished... and the front of the "OCCCC" will look a little cheerier!

URBAN ORIGINS

2009-07-13T12:41:00.002-04:00

Dedication, 2009

Year of the Oxidental, 2009

2009

Little Oscar, 2008

Salutations, 2008

An Exhibition of Black & White Photography
by Devin Yalkin
www.devinyalkinphotography.com
www.flickr.com/devinyalkin

OPENING RECEPTION: FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 6-8:30 PM

COUNTDOWN

2009-07-13T11:14:00.000-04:00

"I don't do these types of shows anymore, but I do the Boardwalk Art Show."

25 Days left until the 47th Annual
Boardwalk Art Show

SAY WHAT?!

2009-07-08T08:52:00.000-04:00

*Membership required for this offer. Promotion ends September 2009.

Only got a day?! Then our Wednesday Workshops are for YOU!

2009-07-07T13:41:00.000-04:00

It's summer time, the weather's fine, but you need a break from the sunshine? New to art? Well here's a start that'll enrich your mind and warm your heart!

Starting tomorrow 7/8/09, Bette McCarron will hold Wednesday Workshops in the mornings from 9:15 to Noon, and every week the theme is different. From July 8th through August 12 the schedule is as follows:

Making Fleece into Felt 7/8

Felting is an ancient technique that even predates weaving.
Using various colors of unspun wool, you will feel and see the fleece shrink
and mat together to become 'felt' as you create a small bag or hand puppet.

'Eco'Weaving* 7/15
By weaving on a back strap loom with colored yarn and strips
of plastic shopping bags, you will create a recycled bag with a rope strap.

Creating an Accordion Book 7/22
After making your front and back covers, you will assemble
a unique book with pages folded accordion style to decorate with stencils
and stamps. This will be a special place to record your writings and drawings.

Fishy Fabric Windsock 7/29
By adding a tail and fins to color, fish-shaped cloth, each student will
create a unique fish windsock. After decorating it with trimming and paint, a string
and swivel hook will be attached to the open mouth so it will twirl in the wind.
Complete fish will be about 4.5 feet long.

Painting with Mud: Bogolanfini 8/5
In Mali, Africa, locally woven cloth is decorated with local
mud to create designs to tell stories and then dried in the hot African sun.
You will duplicate this process to tell your story on a tote bag
with different colored muds from various sources:
South Carolina riverbanks, Texas cotton fields, and New Jersey marshes,
as well as any you may bring!

Round Reed Basketry 8/12
Starting with circular bases, students will develop their ability to control
form and design while twining or weaving with different colors
of round reed. Students will be able to complete a small basket and no two will
look alike. This class is for beginners to advanced basket makers.

All workshops are $25 + $5 for supplies and ages 6+
*Indicates a workshop that is ages 8+

Pictured at the top from left to right: accordion book, fleece into felt, ecoweaved bag, round reed basket. Picture above: fishy fabric windsock.

Week of July 6th, 2009

2009-07-06T10:52:00.000-04:00

After a wonderful July 4th weekend, the Arts Center has officially kicked off its summer session as ALL classes are now a go for the next two months. This morning we have Repurposed Art Camp starting in studio 3, Places Please (performing arts) for the week in the dance studio, and Sue Rau's painting and folk art classes all morning and into the afternoon.

This is a very busy time as we've got classes to prepare for, our Annual Summer Luncheon this Wednesday, and Art Camp to keep up with!

Don't forget that we also have a Meet the Artist Reception this Friday, July 10th from 6-8:30 pm with Richard Samuelson. His show BIG PAINTINGS IN BLACK AND WHITE, small works in color opened in our gallery last week, officially commencing this Friday, and will be up on the walls through the week.

We've got much for you to stop by and enjoy, so pay us a visit and see what we have to offer!

Big Paintings in Black & White, Small Works in Color

2009-07-02T16:22:00.000-04:00

Today our July exhibitor Richard Samuelson finished hanging his show which will be up in the gallery through this month. Almost every inch of wall space is covered with his captivating pieces, so much so that it almost feels as though you're inside the mind of the artist. The large paintings in greyscale are offset by small, colorful acrylic works. Though the sizes all vary, there is almost a uniformity in shape, and very playful cartoons and sketches are intermingled between the aforementioned paintings. Samuelson has provided us with an array of swirling brushstrokes and fierce line work that appears to have been pulled from a far off plane or emotional realm that is closest to the artist himself. Join us next Friday evening, July 10, for a Meet the Artist Reception at the Ocean City Arts Center from 6-8:30 pm.

NEXT WEEK

2009-06-30T13:49:00.000-04:00

Our summer classes officially begin. Are you signed up yet?

Introduction to Figure Modeling with Chad Fisher

2009-06-30T12:51:00.000-04:00

There will be a demonstration of this upcoming class on the Ocean City Boardwalk next month (official date TBA, but contact the Arts Center if you're interested). Held by instructor Chad Fisher, the demonstration is entitled Head Structure and Portrait for Beginner /Intermediate/Advanced students.

This will provide an in-depth analysis of the portrait with an emphasis on both specific anatomy and sculpture technique. We will study the overall structure of the face with exercises intended to sharpen our understanding of planes and how features relate to one another. After a brief introduction to the material, a demonstration will be given focusing on sculpture and drawing technique to help students understand where “form” begins and where it ends.

Enjoy a nice time out on the boardwalk in lovely weather seeing art in progress and learning something while you're at it!

Some information about Chad can be found at:

National Sculpture
Grand Central Academy
and Sculpture Competition Winners

A completed work in progress

2009-06-15T10:52:00.000-04:00

Above are two photos of Marie Natale with her painting A Pleasant Stroll on the Avenue. The top photo is Marie working on the piece at our May 30th Spring Sampler, and below is her and Jack Devine with the completed work. Marie is a watercolor instructor here at the Arts Center. She achieves fresh, clean, glowing effects through the method of direct painting and truly creates magic on the paper.

Pleasure Avenue Meet the Artists Reception

2009-06-15T10:12:00.000-04:00

This past Friday was our Meet the Artists Reception for our 2009 Annual Themed Show. This year's theme, Pleasure Avenue, was brilliant in that it was open to so many avenues of interpretation. Pleasure Avenue is a street here in Ocean City, often thought of as "one of the great unsung, quiet residential neighborhoods" (said by our President, Dr. Jack Devine), and so the local ties the theme had provided a wonderful atmosphere for the opening whose attendees felt a close bond with the works. The artists invited to participate in this group show also had the option to create works that responded to the words "Pleasure Avenue" in a literal sense. So with each of these ideas fused together, the body of work we received yielded much aesthetic promise. As said by the President of the Board of Trustees, and this goes for all of us, we "are delighted that the show has brought a new consciousness to this fine old street and [we're] delighted that so many artists responded so beautifully to the Arts Center's appeal for work."

Below are photos from the reception.

Cynthia Sabatini and Zoe Rosenberg stop for a photo opp at the opening.

Board Members pose in the gallery.
From left to right: President Jack Devine, Vice President Peggy Lloyd,
Paula Fortune-Angelo, Connie Smedley, and Eleanor Raymond.

Artist Lance Balderson with his painting Spring Pleasure

People enjoying themselves in the gallery.

Artist Louis Castagna with his polytych Four Perspectives.

Old and new generations enjoying the work.

People talking at the reception.

Artist and former Board member Fred Arnold with his
painting A Walk in Wales (top left).

The show will be up in our gallery through the month of June. Following Pleasure Avenue will be BIG paintings in black and white, small works in color by artist Richard Samuelson. If you stop in the gallery this month, be sure to pick up a MEET THE ARTISTS guide available at the desk or at the gallery sign-in.

Jitterbug Formation to "Bandstand Boogie"

2009-06-09T17:36:00.000-04:00

Dancers from Follow Me Ballroom, taught by Carrie Reilly and Ed Fischer. This performance opened the Spring Concert last Friday, June 5, 2009.

2009-06-09T15:57:00.000-04:00

BUS TRIP

2009-06-09T15:40:00.000-04:00

Board Member Paula Angelo and former instructor Lance Balderson will be hosting a bus trip to the Philadelphia Museum of Art on Thursday, June 15th, 2009. The trip is to see Lance's newly acquired painting, Tryst -- and he will give a short talk in the American gallery. Those going for the trip are welcome to explore the rest of the museum as well. The bus leaves for Philadelphia at 8:00 AM that morning and departs the city to return back at the Arts Center at 4:00 PM. The cost of the trip is $30 and is open to members and non-members. This promises to be one of the most fun trips yet! Call 609-399-7628 today to reserve your space or make a payment. Refunds will not be given after June 15th, 2009. More information is available on our website at www.oceancityartscenter.org.

First Annual Spring Concert

2009-06-09T15:30:00.000-04:00

What a success! The night was spent amid the studios and gallery enjoying delicious food, drinks, and company. It was wonderful to see parents, staff, students, and other members of the community come out for an evening of live entertainment! Our students did a tremendous job, and this will be the first of many nights like this to come! Check out the pictures below!

All the kids during the grand finale, "Knockin' on Heaven's Door"

Kyle Howey on drums and Joe Salmonsen on guitar.

People crowding in the gallery to see the show.

Miss Andrea and the girls of the Ocean City Dancewave

A little overdue, but...

2009-06-09T14:53:00.000-04:00

Here's the Spring Sampler Update! May 30th was an incredible day at the Arts Center. So many teachers came out to demo and teach classes, and with our wonderful array of food, TONS of people attended our event! A special thanks goes to Mario's Restaurant, Sack O' Subs, Jon & Patty's, and The Chatterbox for donating those delicious trays of food! Thanks to our teachers as well for coming to help set up and spend the day.

It's always fantastic to see something creative happening in every studio and corner of our center. Months of hard work were put in to this event being a true success and it was well worth it. Below are pictures from the Spring Sampler so you can see for yourself!

Some of our delicious free samples!

Fiber Arts instructor Betty Lou Cassidy working on a project

for her upcoming summer BEACH BOOK workshop.

The fabulous watercolor instructor Marie Natale working on a painting that is actually in our themed show this month, Pleasure Avenue.

Guitar instructor Rob Gummel giving free lessons.

Drum teacher Bob Boney giving a free demo, they really loved his Bossanova technique!

Zumba student 'Solo' striking a pose during the free class!

NBC TV40- Newscasters Phaedra Laird and Ben Parsons talking to Chi Kung instructor Paul Pickens. They were telling him all about their

BRAND NEW SUMMER ART CAMP TV News Basics!

We're inviting you!

2009-05-18T10:46:00.000-04:00

Countdown!

2009-05-11T13:34:00.000-04:00

In just one week our SUMMER CLASSES will be released in the Ocean City Sentinel! Keep your eyes peeled!!!

Here's just a sneak peak of some new class titles:
Creative Writing for Teens
Children and Teens Ceramics
Art International
Where the Wild Things Live
Adult Drawing Workshops
Artist Portfolio Development Workshops
Build a Beach Book!
I Can Hip Hop
The Joy of Acrylic Painting
The Art of Egg Tempera - A 3 Day Workshop
Painting En Plein Air

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU!
Call (609) 399-7628 TODAY for more information!

SAVE THE DATE

2009-04-29T13:19:00.001-04:00

Here's the story of a lovely Arts Center....

2009-04-20T15:43:00.000-04:00

Everything is heating up...

2009-04-20T15:02:00.000-04:00

Well, maybe not outside just yet but definitely in here! All of our staff members are working hard and have a strong focus on the upcoming Summer Season. With a new class session quickly approaching and much else in need of preparation the gears have not stopped turning at the Arts Center. We've had tons of sign ups for our Summer Art Camp, but not to worry... those of you who have yet to register, there is still time! We've got a bunch of new camps this year, so be sure to check them out HERE on our website.

Our gallery line-up for the summer is also quite impressive.

The month of May brings us artist Stephen Halko (who was also a judge for our Juried Art Show in November of 2008). You can preview his artwork here.

June is also a very exciting month, because it's when we have our themed show. This year's theme is Pleasure Avenue. For those of you who are familiar with Ocean City, you'll know that Pleasure Avenue is in fact an actual street in our city -- but the show delves much deeper than that. The work submitted by well known local artists can be of the street or be their interpretation of "Pleasure Avenue." This show should be full of familiar scenes and very interesting takes on what is enjoyable and pleasurable to the artistic eye.

In July we've got Richard Samuelson, an artist whose work has been displayed for over thirty years and in such esteemed venues as Long Island City's P.S. 1 - a division of the Museum of Modern Art. His abstract paintings are done in greyscale and promise to be a treat for those who may not necessarily like to "get it" upon first glance, and also for those that do!

And of course in August:

WE MOST DEFINITELY HOPE TO SEE YOU HERE!

2009 Annual Juried Photography Show

2009-04-14T15:01:00.000-04:00

Our Annual JPS opening was held Friday, April 3 here at the Ocean City Arts Center. We had a magnificent turn out and the work is absolutely phenomenal. Listed below are all of our accepted photographers as well as the prize winners.

Chuck Badia
Kristina Beese
Stan Bennett
James Betts
Janice Betts
William Bradway
Barry Carlson
Jeremy Cavileer
Alex Cowperthwaite
Jim Crawford
Rob Gaskill
Richard Gess
Brian Hink
Chelsey Jewkes
Stavra Kalina
Debra Kayata
Harry Keyser
Helen Lombardi
John Loreaux
Scott Mahrer
Deborah McCuin
Sheila McCoy-Nuss
Joseph Salvatore
Stephanie Sharon
Russel Silverman
Frank Smith
Matthew Strabuck
Les Tyler
Miranda Watson
David Woeller
Eileen Woeller
Michael Woeller
Macy Zhelyazkova

Award Winners:
Best of Show - 1st Place Chuck Badia with Sibling Search
2nd Place - Frank Smith with Kiva Muse
3rd Place - Alex Cowperthwaite with Cafe, Bourbon Street, New Orleans
Merit Award 1 - Scott Mahrer with Behind the Scenes
Merit Award 2 - David Woeller with Duotone II
Honorable Mention 1 - Eileen Woeller with Black Swan
Honorable Mention 2 - Ron Gaskill with Window Tree
Honorable Mention 3 - James Betts with Head of the River Church

We are so pleased and proud to display the work of the many photographers listed above. We would also like to extend our thanks to all those who submitted work to the show and our three judges: John Beningno, Blair Seitz, and Barbara Venturi.

The 2009 Annual Juried Photography Show will be on display through the month of April.

New Summer Art Camp!

2009-03-16T12:14:00.000-04:00

The Ocean City Arts Center is proud to announce the newest addition to our summer art camp: NBC40 TV NEWS CAMP for ages 10-15.

You watch the nightly newscasts, now see how it's done. This Introduction to TV News Basics gives an inside look at what goes into making a newscast from sports, to weather, to covering news. Kids will have a unique opportunity to work with NBC40's own staff and get to visit their studio for a special tour. Come learn news, the hands on way, with the pros!

This camp will be offered three times throughout the summer:
Session One: July 27th through the 31st.
Session Two: August 10th through the 14th.
Session Three: August 24th through the 28th.
The cost for one week of this camp is $180.

SIGN UP QUICK! SPOTS ARE FILLING UP! YOU CAN REGISTER AND PAY OVER THE PHONE! FOR ANY QUESTIONS CONTACT JADE LIEN by EMAIL AT JADEL@OCEANCITYARTSCENTER.ORG

A Circus Family: Picasso to Leger

2009-03-16T12:07:00.001-04:00

On April 23, the Ocean City Art Center will be hosting a bus trip to the Baltimore Museum of Art. The exhibition that we will be visiting is entitled, "A Circus Family - Picasso to Leger." The cost of the trip is $36, admission to the museum is free but there is a charge of $6 for this special exhibit. The bus will depart from the OCAC at 8 am sharp, and head home from Baltimore at 4:30 pm. This exhibit includes paintings, drawings, prints, and much more from several European artists.

"This high-flying exhibition shows daring feats, exotic acts, and colorful circus characters through the eyes of some of the greatest artists of the 20th century. More than 80 paintings, prints, drawings, and books by Pablo Picasso, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Fernand Léger, and other European artists reveal their fascination with the extravagant spectacle of the circus and the bohemian lives of the performers outside the ring. This special ticketed exhibition brings together major works from museums and private collections to offer a behind-the-scenes look at the circus during its heyday as a form of popular entertainment." (Taken from the museum website)

For more travel information please contact the Ocean City Arts Center at (609) 399-7628. For more information about the exhibit, please visit www.artbma.org.

Paintings in Wool, among other things!

2009-03-16T11:41:00.000-04:00

This month our gallery exhibitor is artist Meryl Nelson. Gracing our walls are over twenty works all done through the process of rug hooking. Her pieces exhibit not only fantastic images of seascapes, landscapes, families, and people of all cultures -- they are a great display of the effort that goes into crafting work of this medium. Entitled, Paintings in Wool, Meryl's work will be on display through the month of March until it is dismantled for April's Juried Photography Show.

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ANNUAL JURIED PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW
This week is also the last week to submit photographs to our Juried Show. Wednesday, March 18 is the absolute last day for submission, and the judging will be held Friday, March 20th. Our three judges are Blair Seitz, John Benigno, and Barbara Venturi. Traditional and Digital/Computer Generated photographs made within the last three years may be entered into the show, and the cost per entry is $10. All works must be properly framed and wired prior to drop off. The pick up dates for non-accepted work are April 1st through the 4th, and accepted works can be picked up between May 1-6. The awards reception for the annual JPS will be held on Friday, April 3 from 7-9 pm. Applications are available online or at the Arts Center. Please join us!

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SPRING CLASS SESSION BEGINS APRIL 6TH
The 2009 Winter Class session is coming to an end. Spring classes begin Monday, April 6, 2009. The class schedule is available online and in print at the Arts Center. Please contact us at (609) 399-7628 if you'd like to have a copy of the publication mailed to you. We've also got applications for Summer Art Camp and the Boardwalk Art Show available to be mailed or viewed/printed online. For any questions or comments regarding classes or art camp please contact our education coordinator, Jade Lien, at the Arts Center or via e-mail: jadel@oceancityartscenter.org. For questions concerning the Boardwalk Art Show, contact our gallery coordinator Caitlin Green at the Arts Center or via e-mail: caitling@oceancityartscenter.org.

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NEW CLASSES?!
Here's a taste of some of our new Spring and Summer classes:
-Egg Tempera workshop
-Painting workshop En Plein Air
-New Sculpture Courses: HAND WORKSHOP, FIGURE MODELING
-Faux like a Pro -- a crash course in Faux Painting
-Potluck Painting Party -- create your own still life in any medium! Even mixed media!
-The Joy of Acrylic Painting with Rick Cannizzaro

Things are picking up....

2009-02-03T15:37:00.000-05:00

...in our class rooms, studios, and gallery!

It's not too late to sign up for winter courses and workshops. Here are a list of upcoming workshops at the Ocean City Arts Center:

-Shape, Line, and Color with Doree Loschiavo, Feb. 7 from 10:30-2:30

-Kim Weiland's Tuesday Watercolor Workshops:
Feb. 10, 17, and 24 from 10:00-1:00

-Basket Making with Patti Heisler, Feb. 12 from 6:00-9:00

-Basic Fabric Dying with Lois Maher, Mar. 7 from 10:00-3:00

-Loose, Luminous, and Colorful!
Watercolor Workshop with Marie Natale, Mar. 14 from 10:00-3:00

-Stamping for Beginners with Lois Maher, Mar. 21 from 10:00-2:30

-Painting People in Watercolor on Apr. 11 from 10:00-3:00

Also, this Friday, February 6, is Lennox Warner's Meet the Artist Reception. His raw, beautiful, and culturally inspired sculptures will be on display for the entire month of February. The reception is from 6-8 pm.

Interested in photography? Well get your portfolio together and start considering our Annual Juried Photography Show as a way to get your work displayed. Applications are available at the Arts Center, but feel free to call us for more specific information at 609-399-7628.

As the ground beneath us begins to thaw, our Spring Class Session will be in full bloom in a month! If you've got any questions, comments, or suggestions please drop us a line! We now offer a full sculpture program, drawing classes, Zumba-Gold, and oil painting. There will be even more new programs available for our class session that begins on April 6th.

Catch a Wave!

2009-01-12T09:14:00.000-05:00

The Ocean City Arts Center has started a Contemporary Dance Company called Dancewave. If you would like to be a part of a company lead by Andrea Alfieri, the creator of the Ocean City Dancewave please call us for more information. The following classes held at the Arts Center will make you a part of the Dancewave:

On Tuesdays:
Intro to Dance I from 3:30-4:15 for 8 weeks, ages 3-5
Advanced Hip-Hop Jazz from 4:30-5:30 for 8 weeks, ages 10+

On Wednesdays:
Intro to Dance II from 4-5 for 8 weeks, ages 5-7
Advanced Ballet from 6:30-7:30 for 8 weeks, ages 10+

On Thursdays:
Ballet and Jazz Technique from 4-5 for 8 weeks, ages 7-12
Musical Theater from 5-6 for 8 weeks, ages 6-12

**In the Spring we hope to have a performing arts celebration with the DANCEWAVE company and the OCAC performing arts classes as a 'Grand Finale' to our 2008 & 2009 sessions. Details will be made available in our next class listing, so please stay tuned!

Nancy Palermo, Shadows & Light

2009-01-05T11:45:00.000-05:00

Primarily known throughout South Jersey as a successful muralist and portrait artist, Nancy Palermo has consistently worked to develop her own artwork. Nancy moved to Ocean City from her native Baltimore, Maryland in 1977 and became enamored with the atmospheric qualities indigenous to coastal waterways. The many moods created by the play of light, sky, and water provide Nancy with a point of departure from which to explored her artistic vision. Through her thematic use of shadows and light, Nancy's work reveals the drama and mystery in everyday life. Nancy holds a BFA from the University of Maryland. Nancy has recently received awards from Women Artists of Atlantic County, The National Arts Program, Hammonton Arts Center, Cygnus Arts Center, New Jersey Society of Artists, and the Ocean City Arts Center. She currently resides in Linwood, New Jersey.

Shadows & Light is currently on display here at the OCAC. The Meet the Artist Reception will be held this coming Friday, January 9th from 7-9 PM. We hope to see you here!

ZUMBA - "Ditch the Workout & Join the Party"

2008-12-17T11:42:00.000-05:00

Have you heard of Zumba? Do you want to dance and get in shape? Our very own dance instructor, Andrea Alfieri-Quaile, will be heading a one-hour weekly Zumba class in our studio starting in January of 2009. The time will be 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm every Wednesday evening. Additional classes may be scheduled in addition to Wednesdays. Check out the video above to get an idea of what ZUMBA is all about!

Holiday Update

2008-12-15T14:11:00.001-05:00

Just to let everyone know, the Arts Center will be closed on the following dates for the holidays:

Wednesday, December 24
Thursday, December 25,
Friday, December 26
Saturday, December 27
Wednesday, December 31
Thursday, January 1

We'd also like to take this opportunity to wish you all a safe, happy, and prosperous holiday season and New Year! Thank you for spending yet another year with us here!

Approaching the New Year

2008-12-08T09:21:00.000-05:00

The last two months of 2008 will be action packed for us all here at the Arts Center. With the closing of the Juried Show at the beginning of the month, turning the gallery over to our annual show With Love for Our Children, scheduling a whole slew of classes (new and old favorites!), and much more, believe me when I say we've been moving non-stop!

I'm approaching the end of my fourth month as a staff member at the Ocean City Arts Center, and I've come to find a whole new family and community to fit into which makes me endlessly happy. I must say that in my short time here I've met some incredible people and have begun to implement some changes that have brought success to this institution. This past Saturday, however, was absolutely the most rewarding day out of all the time I spend here.

December 6 was the day of our Holiday Arts Fest, more commonly recognized as the Holiday Art Sale. This year in lieu of new faculty members and classes we decided to hold an open house -- teachers would do demonstrations, sell their work along with local artists and vendors, performing arts students would share with us what they've been learning, and most importantly the many people in our little tight knit community would spend the day together in one of the most creative ways possible. Our teachers and staff baked assorted goodies and our turn out was fantastic. It was a great way to get us all together and brainstorm ways to make our Arts Center better than ever... which leads me to say:

Our Winter 2009 Class Listing/Schedule is now available! Please call us to have one mailed to you, stop in, or visit our website to take a peek!

ALSO... I'd like to extend a heartfelt thank you on behalf of myself and the Arts Center staff to the teachers, artists, and students who participated in Saturday's event:

Andrea Alfieri, Fred Arnold, Bob Boney, Betty Lou Cassidy, Elaine Chaffin, Mary Daly, Ed Fischer, Chad Fisher, Rob & Kristen Gummel, Bobbi Heisman, Rae Jaffe, Lori Kintz, Leland Kuchler, Shawna Mulford, Marie Natale, Jane Petransky, Susan Rau, Carrie Reilly, Stephanie Sussmeier, Sue Van Duyne

and students: (guitar) Briar Rose Ginn, Caroline Hartman, WoJo Franks, (piano) Conor Ancharski, Lee Cortopassi, Nora Faverzani, Dante Monteleone, Nicole Nunan, Hadley Patterson, Madeline Raab, Dale Roeck, Michaela Walsh, and (violin) Maria Dattilo.

Below are some pictures from the Holiday Arts Fest!

Guitar Instructor Rob Gummel & Piano Instructor Leland Kuchler

Some children admiring Marie Natale's art work.

Marie Natale at her table.

Sculpture instructor Chad Fisher doing a demo.

Chad's bust by the end of the day.

Caricature of Perri Hansen by Oil Instructor Bobbi Heisman.

A caricature of me by Bobbi Heisman!

Come check us out!!

A busy month indeed

2008-11-10T14:13:00.000-05:00

This past Friday, the Arts Center played host to many local artists and loyal patrons as they we all gathered for the Awards Reception for our Annual Juried Art Show. We're proud to announce the winners:

Best of Show: Morning Mystic by Chun-Yan Hilyard
Second Place: Gathering Gaggle by Maryann Cannon
Third Place: Patiently Waiting by Robert Baum

Honorable Mention: Meadow Tree by Ellen LoCicero, Philadelphia Port by Dino Sistilli, and Cracked by Wendy Tribulski.

TD (Commerce) Bank Award: Mother and Child (Pollock Style) by Diedra Stone-McGrory

Again, we extend congratulations to all winning and accepted artists as well as thanks to all artists who submitted their work for the show. We invite you all to see the exhibit for the remainder of the month, and look forward to next month's art show: With Love for Our Children.

The Juried Show is up!

2008-11-04T14:32:00.000-05:00

During the month of November we are featuring the following artists:

Meed Barnett
Robert Baum
Shirley Belitsky
Barbara Berg
Matthew Blair
Mary Alice Campanaro
Maryann Cannon
Zigang Chen
Linda A. Colson
Dorothy DeMatteis
Peg Dittmar
Fury Feraco
Carol Hiemenz
Chun-yan Hilyard
Linda Kaufman
Warren Kenny
Ken Klander
Mary Anne Kline
Ellen LoCicero
Susan Long
Robert Manzi
Zachary Martin
Verna McClain
Christine McPartland
Charles Micsko
Eileen Moore
Katherine Mott
Marie Natale
Victoria Papale
Joseph Sang
Dino Sistilli
Pamela Stern
Diedra Stone-McGrory
Wendy Tribulski
Richard Williams
Jeanette Wyckoff
Carol Zerbe

Thanks to all of our volunteers, curators, judges, and all the artists who submitted their work. We hope to see you Friday!

Empty walls for not much longer

2008-11-03T09:25:00.001-05:00

Today the accepted works for our Annual Juried Show will be hung in the gallery. We welcome everyone to filter in this week to get a close look and also invite you to the awards reception which will be held Friday, November 7 from 7-9 pm.

Juried Art Show 2008

2008-10-27T09:07:00.000-04:00

Here at the Arts Center we're in the last week of Shirley Hawthorne's show Favorite Places, Special Spaces. Within the next two weeks we will uninstall what we have up in the gallery right now and on Monday, November 3rd we will hang up the accept works to our Annual Juried Art Show. This year saw some impressive work and we had a great time getting to know our judges as they went through the process of choosing what made the cut or what didn't. The awards reception for the JAS will be Friday, November 7 from 7-9. To all those involved - accepted or not accepted - artists and those who aren't --- please join us for this very special community event and support these excellent artists and the Ocean City Arts Center!

**Just a reminder, for those whose work did not make it into the show the pick-up dates for your work are 11/3 - 11/8, however you can pick it up before the 3rd if you wish.

Stay tuned!!

Autumn Excitement

2008-10-15T11:06:00.000-04:00

A very fun and busy time began last Friday with the opening reception of Shirley Hawthorne's show Favorite Places, Special Spaces. Our annual Pumpkin Painting Party followed the next day and was a great success. Today marks the start of our acceptance period for the Annual Juried Art Show and it will last for a week. Let me tell you what a busy morning it's been! The Arts Center is just bustling with people coming in and out, dancers in the studio, and our staff filing and typing away here in the office. We welcome you to join us in these upcoming weeks, for much is to come!

To all those who are interested in continuing with classes into the Winter Session:
Are there any subjects you'd be interested in learning about that we have not offered?
Drop us a comment here or come in and fill out a survey! Even give us a call. :)

Have a great day, and we hope to see you here.

Philippe de Montebello Years Bus Trip All Full

2008-10-07T15:29:00.001-04:00

We have begun a wait list for the December 4th bus trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Please call the Arts Center if you're interested in being on that list.

Jurors announced!

2008-10-06T14:07:00.000-04:00

The jurors for our annual Juried Art Show will be Bruce Garrity, Steven Halko, and Ruane Manning. Again, we are accepting work between 10/15 and 10/22. Please contact us for more information!

Dancewave - Ocean City's Newest Contemporary Dance Company

2008-10-06T09:44:00.000-04:00

Check out this video of the Dancewave company's Oceanography show. The team is starting up again, call us for more information!

Choreographed by Andrea Alfieri

OCAC happenings

2008-09-30T12:09:00.000-04:00

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!

2008-09-29T09:04:00.001-04:00

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

2008-09-23T17:08:00.001-04:00

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.