The Art League of Ocean City promotes local artists through exhibits at the OC Center for the Arts and offsite satellite galleries, gift shop and vendor events, social media, eblasts, monthly newsletters mailed to membership, and online artists directory featuring members of the Art League. The Art League works with local news media outlets to highlight artists in press releases, newspaper articles, tv interviews, radio spots, newspaper ads, and more.
Member Benefits for Artists:
- Members-only exhibitions
- Discounts for exhibit entry
- Online artists directory
- Apply to sell artwork in the Felber Gift Shop
Click here to join or renew your membership.
Each month one of the galleries at the Ocean City Center for the Arts features artwork by local and regional artists, many of whom are members of the Art League of Ocean City. This provides an opportunity for artists of all levels and mediums to show their work in a professional gallery. Cash prizes and ribbons are awarded by qualified judges and artists may choose to sell their works. The Art League of Ocean City is committed to featuring a broad spectrum of artists from diverse backgrounds (including race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion) and encourage all to participate.
Please click here for the Exhibit Entry Form. You’re encouraged to fill out your entry form ahead of time but blank copies will be available as needed.
Current/Upcoming Calls for Entry:
March 2026: “In Black & White” Group Show
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Ocean City Film Festival, In Black & White invites artists to explore the striking simplicity and emotional depth of contrast. Inspired by the golden age of film — when storytelling relied on shadow, light, and the power of composition — this exhibition honors the cinematic spirit through the visual arts.
From dramatic chiaroscuro to subtle tonal balance, In Black & White embraces the timeless beauty of grayscale in all forms. Artists working in painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, and mixed media are encouraged to interpret the theme through mood, movement, and visual rhythm — whether referencing the glamour of old Hollywood, the grit of noir, or the quiet poetry of light and form.
Much like the early filmmakers who transformed limitation into art, In Black & White challenges artists to distill emotion and meaning through the essentials — tone, line, and texture — proving that sometimes, the absence of color reveals the most vivid story of all.
All media. Up to 2 entries per artist.
Judge: John Carter
IMPORTANT DATES:
Artwork Drop-off (by appointment): Sunday- Monday, March 1-2, 2026
Exhibit Dates: March 6-28, 2026
Opening Reception: First Friday, March 6, 2026 from 5-7pm
Artwork Pick-up (by appointment): Sunday- Monday, March 29-30, 2026 (click here for drop off appointment)
April 2026: Juried Corporate Partner Show
Esteemed annual exhibit with special “Best in Show” award. Artist’s choice of theme. Member and non-member artists may enter up to two pieces of original artwork for consideration. Artist’s choice of theme. *entries can be up to 36×48”. Open to all media. Selected artwork will be displayed in person at the OC Center for the Arts, April 2026.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Online Entry Deadline: Sunday, February 23rd, before 4pm. (click here to enter)
Exhibit Dates: April 3-25, 2026.
Opening Reception: First Friday, April 3, 2026 from 5-7pm
Click here for a printable 2026 Group Show Schedule.
Click here for Group Show Exhibit Requirements
Ideas for upcoming group show themes? Share your input here.
Current/Upcoming Calls to Student Artists:
March 2026: “Shirley Hall Youth Art Show”
We’re celebrating National Youth Art Month with an annual showcase of artwork by middle and high school students. This years installment will feature artwork ALL MONTH LONG! Open to all middle and high school students in Worcester County. One entry per artist. Original artwork only (no prints or copies), in any 2D media. Maximum size is 16×20″. Artwork must be created in the past year, matted and/or framed, and ready to hang.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Artwork Drop-off: Sunday- Saturday, February 22 – 28, 2026
Exhibit Dates: March 6-28, 2026
Artwork Pick-up: Sunday March 29 – Saturday April 4, 2026
April 2026: “Manga & Anime Youth Art Show”
We want to see our student artists explore Manga & Anime art! Open to all middle, high school, and college students. All media accepted: hand-drawn, computer generated, crafts, etc. Artwork must be created in the past year and never before entered at the Art League of Ocean City. Fan art accepted but not eligible for Best in Show. Maximum size is 18’’x24’’. Artwork must be matted and/or framed, and ready to hang and will be included at the discretion of the exhibit committee.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Artwork Drop-off: Sunday- Saturday, March 22- 28, 2026
Exhibit Dates: April 3-5, 2026
Artwork Pick-up: Sunday – Monday, April 6 – 12, 2026
Appointment Links:
Thank you for helping us stay organized! Make your appointment to pickup from a current show or drop-off for an upcoming exhibit by clicking the following link(s) : Click here for February/ March Pick up/ Drop off Appointment!
Because art appreciation is highly subjective, the Art League of Ocean City makes every effort to select qualified judges from a variety of art professionals, working artists and gallery owners. All judges are expected to recognize quality works based on the artists’ understanding of the principles and elements of design and the ability to use their chosen media.
Exhibit Applications:
Submit a proposal for a solo show to hang in the main gallery. Please click here to submit online.
Rent Studio E for the month as “artist in residence”. Please click here to apply online.
Apply for a “mini show” in the Spotlight Gallery, located in the first floor classroom. Please click here to apply online.
Apply to be the featured artisan for the month in the gift shop area. Please click here to apply online.
Submit a proposal the new Staircase Gallery. Please click here to submit online.
/Apply for a year-long space in Studios A-D as a resident studio artist. Please click here to apply online.
Gift Shop:
Art League members may put work for sale in our retail area. Each artist is allowed to submit up to 4 pieces for sale. Items will be displayed on a “space available” basis. Items should be clearly marked with price and artist’s name. Inventory forms will be supplied to record items for sale. Acceptable mediums include: paintings (shrink-wrapped original and giclee prints), matted photography, pottery, jewelry, glass, fiber arts, wood, and metal. All items for sale must be hand made entirely by the artist. No manufactured items are allowed. Items accepted for sale are subject to approval and a 30% commission will be retained by the ALOC on all sales. For more information, contact Kacie Neeb at kacie@artleagueofoceancity.org or call 410-524-9433.
New Artists: please click here to submit an application to sell your artwork in the Gift Shop.
Returning Artists: please click here for our revised Gift Shop requirements.
Artwork must be picked up/ dropped off by appointment – please click here to reserve your timeslot.