Ocean City will be buzzing with artsy activities this week as 50 talented artists participate in a beloved, annual arts tradition two decades in the making. It’s the one and only Artists Paint OC Festival, made possible by the Art League of Ocean City Center for the Arts.
This year’s installment is an even bigger deal, as it officially marks the event’s 20-year milestone as a community mainstay. The festival will get underway tomorrow, August 13, and run through Sunday, August 17.
During this multi-day festival’s run, the 50 featured participants will be setting up shop throughout the town’s various locations of great acclaim. Particular points of interest include oceanfront and bayside locations alike, harbor docks, marshes, various streetscapes, and the famed Ocean City Boardwalk, of course.
While the artists will be at work throughout the week, it’s the weekend festivities that pack the most public involvement. On Saturday, August 16, the OC Arts Center will host a free-to-attend Wet Paint Sale and Party. The event, which runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., will feature live music, provide refreshments, and offer sales on original, just-painted paintings that were just completed by artists this week. Again, this gallery reception is open for all to attend and requires no preregistration.
The fun keeps rolling on Sunday, August 17, with a host of highlights to keep all ages and interests satisfied. First up is the Boardwalk Quick Paint taking place between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on the Boardwalk. Come out to see artists in action as they set up to paint near Thrasher’s for a chance to win prizes.
Kids’ painting activities will be taking place during this time as well. Head to the OC Arts Center between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. for an encore/continuation of the reception from the day before and another chance to purchase newly painted pieces. Live music will be playing, and they will even be serving up some noteworthy Nori sushi!
Return to the Boardwalk between noon and 3 p.m. to check out all the Kids’ special plein air projects from the former event, which ran this past July. They will be on display at this time. Click here to read more.
The Annual Artists Paint OC Festival has emerged to become a popular pursuit since its first inception back in 2006. Growing from 30 to 50 accepted artists every season, registration is open to all artists ages 18 or older, on a first-come basis. The nonrefundable fee to enter is $50 for Art League members $65 for nonmembers.
Again, selections are limited to just 50 artists, and this year’s event is currently full. Click here for options to be added to the waitlist or for information on participating in a future event.
In addition to Artists Paint OC, the Art League of Ocean City offers a range of opportunities and events throughout the year. Operating as a nonprofit, they make it their founding goal to promote artistic expression and appreciation for the creative arts throughout the community.
They feature a two-story gallery, a pottery studio, classrooms with classes offered per schedule, an impressive art library, and five working artist studios. Their galleries are open year-round, featuring new exhibits of regional and local artists monthly and evening receptions every first Friday.
The Art League of Ocean City is located at 502 94th Street, Ocean City, Maryland 21842. To learn more about them and all upcoming events, visit their website at www.artleagueofoceancity.org.