About Ocean City Arts Center
Enriching Lives Through the Arts
~A History of~
Founded in 1965, the Ocean City Arts Center (OCAC) in New Jersey is a cornerstone of the South Jersey cultural scene, offering visual and performing arts education and exhibitions. Located in the Ocean City Community Center, it provides studios, a gallery, and hosts major events like the annual Boardwalk Art Show, which is in its 63rd year.
Connecting with Community
Our Mission
Ocean City Arts Center is dedicated to enriching lives through the visual and performing arts. Our goal is to foster an appreciation for diversity and creativity in individuals of all ages within the local and surrounding South Jersey communities. We provide creative opportunities that cater to various interests, with scholarship assistance available for those seeking financial aid.
We are located on the second floor of the Ocean City Community Center. Our facility boasts three spacious studios with ample natural light, along with a dance studio, music room, pottery studio, and reference library. Every month, we showcase new exhibits by regional and national artists across different mediums. Each exhibit opens with a special 'Meet the Artist' reception for a personal touch.
Accessibility Statement: The Ocean City Arts Center (OCAC) is fully committed to implementing accessibility guidelines as mandated by the federal government and state of New Jersey.
Board & Staff
Board of Trustees
President:
Dr. Jack Devine
Vice President:
Marian Talese
Secretary:
Jane Charles
Treasurer:
David Nahan
Jeff Barnes
Joanne Coffman
Suzanne Forrest
Mary Garrett
Hillary Heywood
Maryann Pionegro-Smith
Allison Southard
Patti Speed
Grisel Velazquez
Charles Wray
Staff Members
Executive Director:
Chase Jackson
chasej@oceancityartscenter.org
Bookkeeper:
Jill Watson
jillw@oceancityartscenter.org
Office Manager/Front Desk:
Lynn Sullivan
lynns@oceancityartscenter.org
Front Desk:
Kelly Kunik
Natalie English
Merryl Cool
Lisa Glapion
Submit inquiries to:
info@oceancityartscenter.org
Hours & Directions
Ocean City Arts Center
1735 Simpson Ave
Ocean City, New Jersey 08226-3070
chasej@oceancityartscenter.org
Monday: 9:00am-9:00pm
Tuesday: 9:00am-9:00pm
Wednesday: 9:00am-9:00pm
Thursday: 9:00am-9:00pm
Friday: 9:00am-9:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am-3:00pm
Sunday: Closed
General Guidelines & Policies
Thank you for joining us at Ocean City Arts Center! We are so happy you are here. Below we have outlined general guidelines and policies.
Specific guidelines and policies for Art Camp can be found under Summer Camp.
Please feel free to call us if you have any questions.
NOTE: Classes are defined as 4 weeks or more, workshops are defined as 1 week or less.
Refunds and Cancellations
Membership
Memberships are required for classes. Ocean City Arts Center memberships are not refundable.
Refund Policy
Ocean City Arts Center claases, camps, workshop fees and memberships are not refundable unless canceled by OCAC.
Student Absences
Refunds and make-ups will not be given for student absences due to personal schedule conflicts.
Class Changes/ Cancellations Due To Teacher Absence
In the case of an unexpected teacher absence, the Arts Center reserves the right to find a substitute teacher, or cancel class and offer a make-up date. Refunds will not be issued if a student cannot attend the make-up date.
Class Cancellations & Rescheduled Classes
The Arts Center reserves the right to cancel any class or workshop due to insufficient enrollment. If a class is cancelled due to low enrollment students will be notified approximately 3 days before the start of class and refunded in full. Once class has begun, the Arts Center reserves the right to cancel dates due to unavoidable circumstances, including inclement weather. A rescheduled week is provided for any cancellations made by the Arts Center.
Pro-Rating Classes
With the instructor’s permission, students may join a class that has already started and the tuition will be prorated. A $25 late fee will be applied for joining after the third class.
Weather-Related Closures
Weather-related closures will be posted on our website, Facebook and Instagram in a timely manner. If you do not see an announcement, all programs are running as scheduled. Students should not expect to be contacted individually if we are closed due to severe weather. For classes happening off site at one of our community partners, contact the organization directly to see if the class is still running.
Publicity Policy
The Art Center reserves the right to use photos taken during all classes and programs for publicity purposes. Registration in a class or attendance at an event gives the Arts Center permission to use images without further consent or compensation.
Student Property
The Arts Center is not responsible for artwork and other property left on the premises and has no liability of such property is lost, stolen or damaged, except in instances when artwork is displayed in gallery exhibitions and covered by insurance. Artwork or property left two weeks after the semester ends may be discarded.
Accessibility Statement
We are committed to a continuum of accessible education programs by providing reasonable and appropriate accommodations in a supportive environment that promotes and fosters inclusion of people of all ages, abilities and skill levels. If you believe that you will require accommodations to enable you to participate meaningfully in our programs, contact the main office before you register.
Class Information
*Classes are defined as 4 weeks or more, workshops are defined as 1 week or less.
Supply List
Read course descriptions carefully for dates, times, and required supplies. It is the student’s responsibility to purchase supplies listed in the course description. Please note some courses have an additional supply fee payable to OCAC or the instructor.
Scholarships/Tuition Assistance
Scholarships/tuition assistance is available based on financial need. See this "Classes" tab for an application. Applications will be considered on a first come, first serve basis until funds are dispersed. For more info, please contact info@oceancityartscenter.org.
Age Restrictions
Children under the age of 16 are not permitted to attend adult classes unless indicated permissable in class description.
Ceramics and Mosaics Specific Policies
Class Start/End Times
- Please do not arrive more than 30 minutes prior to scheduled class start time. Extended early arrivals will be subject to Open Studio fees.
- Evening classes must be cleaned up and cleared out within 30 minutes of end time (ex. class ends at 8pm, all should be out by 8:30pm)
Class Make-up
- Students may use free open studio time for up to 2 missed classes per session. However, they must be used within the 8-week session.
Open Studio
Open Studios are currently offered by reservation only.
- Students must contact office to make reservation prior to arriving on-site
- Open Studio fee is $10 for maximum of 3 hours
- All open studio tuition is non-refundable.
- Any student unable to comply with open studio guidelines will not be able to participate. New students must meet with the their instructor for orientation prior to the start of the first open studio session.
- Adults and teens 16 or older are eligible for open studio.
