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:
Click here for the 2023 Group Show Schedule
(October 12-15, 2023): Adventure Travel Photography Contest.
Win Prizes and Be Featured at the OCRV & Van Life Show! Artists may enter up to three photographs for consideration. Cash prizes awarded in each category: Landscape – Wildlife – Culture.
Online entry deadline: Monday September 25, 4pm. Click here to enter!
Entry fee: $5 per photo/ members; $10 per photo/ non-members. Up to three photos per artist. Entry fees are non-refundable.
Awards: $250 prize awarded for each category: Landscape – Wildlife – Culture, plus honorable mentions. Award winners will be invited to show their photos in-person at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center and will receive free tickets to the event.
Details: All artwork will be displayed on digital monitors, premiering at Ocean City’s very first OCRV & Van Lifestyle Show on October 12-15. Learn more about the RV Show at: https://ocrvshow.com/ After the event, artwork will be displayed on digital monitors at the Ocean City Center for the Arts and at ocart.org through Sat. Nov. 25th.
Judge: Jeanne Anderton, Salisbury University.
(October 2023): Abstract.
Let your imagination run wild! All media. 32×40″ maximum outside frame dimensions, one entry per artist. Cash prizes awarded! Exhibit judge: Deborah Rolig.
Entry dates (by appointment): October 1-2. Click here to reserve your timeslot.
Entry fee: $10/ members; $15/ non-members. Entry fees are non-refundable.
Exhibit dates: October 6-28, with opening reception on First Friday Oct 6, 5-7pm
Pickup dates: October 29-30
(November 2023): Eastern Shore Heritage.
Celebrate the stories, traditions, and heritage of Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore. All media. 32×40″ maximum outside frame dimensions. Cash prizes awarded! Up to two entries per artist.
With special awards:
-Waterways Award, depicting agriculture/fishing, boating, or leisure on the water.
-Heritage Site Award, depicting a historic site in Somerset, Wicomico, or Worcester County.
-Livelihood Award, depicting those who rely on the culture and resources of the area to make their living (waterman, farmer, craftsperson, or others).
-Best in Show Award
Judges panel: Joanne Guilfoil (author/illustrator and painter), George Sass (photographer), and Raye-Valion Gillette (Curator and Folklife Program Director, Salisbury University).
Entry dates (by appointment): October 29-30
Entry fee: $10 per piece/ members; $15 per piece/ non-members. Entry fees are non-refundable.
Exhibit dates: November 3-25, with opening reception First Friday Nov 3, 5-7pm
Pickup dates: November 26-27
November’s exhibit is made possible by a grant from Beach to Bay Heritage Area, whose mission is to promote, preserve and protect the cultural heritage, historical linkages and natural assets of Maryland’s Lower Eastern Shore. www.beachesbayswaterways.org
(December 2023): Members Annual Juried Show.
Showcasing members of the Art League of Ocean City. Artist’s choice of theme. All media, entries can be up to 36×48″. Cash prizes awarded! Up to two entries per artist.
Exhibit juror: David Smith, 2023 Robinson Fellow, Salisbury University professor.
Online Entry dates: October 9-November 6
**artists will be notified of acceptance by email.
Entry fee: $10 per piece/ members; $15 per piece/ non-members. Entry fees are non-refundable.
Exhibit dates: December 1-30, with opening reception First Friday Dec 1, 5-7pm
Pickup dates: December 31, January 2.
Pictured: 2022 1st place winner “Maternal Instincts” by Leo Kahl
(December 2023 in Studio E): Small Works.
Small, priced-to-sell artwork. Hanging work only. 12×12″ max. Half price entry fee. Artwork displayed for sale only; no judging/awards. Up to two entries per artist.
Entry dates (by appointment): November 26-27
Exhibit dates: December 1-30, with opening reception First Friday Dec 1, 5-7pm
Pickup dates: December 31, January 2.
Painted utility boxes – ongoing public art project in collaboration with the Ocean City Development Corporation. Artists are needed to transform electrical boxes across OC into works of art. Artists will be notified on an ongoing basis, as projects become available. Selected artists will receive a $400 stipend to cover material costs and labor. For consideration, email 1-3 artwork samples to Aubrey Sizemore at aubrey@artleagueofoceancity.org along with your name and phone number.
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 link(s) below.
Sun-Mon Oct 1-2: “Abstract” drop-off, “Memories..”/ “Plein Air” pick-up (Sun 12-4pm, Mon 10-2pm).
Because art appreciation is highly subjective, the ALOC 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.
Group Shows:
For upcoming shows and drop-off/pick-up dates see the 2023 Group Show Schedule.
Click here for the Exhibit Entry Form.
Click here for the Exhibit Requirements.
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.