7 Reasons to Visit the Ocean City Center for the Arts

Whether you are an artist, an art appreciator, or an Ocean City, Maryland regular and you are not familiar with the Ocean City Center for the Arts, your first step is to take some time to explore what I like to consider a "hidden gem" in this town. It still amazes me how many people have never visited the gallery, let alone gotten to experience a pottery class or a First Friday reception for themselves. Here is a list of seven reasons why you should visit the Arts Center ASAP. 1. It is free and open to the public. There is no cost to come in and look around. We are proud to be the only Arts Center in Ocean City, Maryland. There is nothing else in town quite like this! Our facility features a spacious two story gallery, a pottery studio, two classrooms, an art library and five working artist studios.

Ocean City Center for the Arts exterior - located at 502 94th Street bayside. 2. New artwork every month. Every single month (yes, all 12 of them) you have the opportunity to come in and explore new artwork including photographs, mixed media pieces, and watercolor paintings by different artists. We kick off each month with an opening reception from 5-7pm on the first Friday of each month. The receptions are free and open to the public so you can come enjoy refreshments, hors d'oeuvres and wonderful artwork.

Ocean City Center for the Arts interior - 2 story gallery with stairs and elevator. 3. The view. That's it. The view alone is a great reason to come by the Ocean City Center for the Arts to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature right on the bay. Of course your best pictures can be taken at sunset, but really anytime of day gives you a gorgeous view.

Sunset view from the front entrance. 4. The retail area. If you like to shop like I do, you will love our original works in the retail area. All the work for sale is created by Art League members and local artists and artisans. There is a wide selection from original paintings, poetry and sculpture, hand crafted jewelry and wearable art, to art prints and gift cards. One of the most important things about buying original artwork is that you are supporting an artist’s career. It's a feel-good experience that you don't get from shopping at an ordinary store.

Gifts in our Retail Area at great prices. 5. Paint Nite! Everybody loves a good Paint Nite. We host one every month delightfully titled "Brushes and Bubbly". Our wonderful instructor Kathi Stevens will lead the class through a fun, stress-free evening of painting. We supply the canvases, paints, brushes, cups, and music. All you have to do is bring friends, a snack, and an adult beverage. The class is only $25 for Art League members and $32 for non-members.

All smiles at Brushes & Bubbly. 6. Amazing kids classes. Sign your young ones up for pottery, painting, mixed media, screen painting, and even fused glass classes! "Pizza and Pottery" comes with all the materials to make a clay creation AND a pizza dinner. Who can resist? "Creative Kids Sundays" gives children the chance to create a unique project just for them. Our classes will leave them inspired and ready to create more awesome works of art!

Kids & Canvas painting event. 7. Make pottery for a great cause. Our annual Empty Bowl Project is in full swing! This family-friendly pottery bowl making event helps to fill the food pantry at Diakonia and also supports the missions of the Art League. Sign up for a bowl making session for only $20. You will get to keep the bowl you create AND enjoy a delicious soup dinner on Friday, March 31.

Finished pottery bowls that have been glazed and fired in our kiln.

There you have it - 7 reasons to visit the Ocean City Center for the Arts every day of the week. Stop in to see the fun for yourself! We are open year-round Monday thru Friday from 9am to 4pm and Saturday thru Sunday from 11am to 4pm. See you soon!