Join the Art League of Ocean City on Friday, March 7 from 5 to 7pm at the OC Center for the Arts on 94th Street bayside for the opening reception of the March exhibits. This month’s exhibits include an eclectic mix of mediums and styles including oils, sculpture and watercolors.
Guest artists Leslie Belloso, John Schisler and Pete Hassler will be featured in the Thaler Gallery and Jan Bain will be the artist in residence for the next month. “People” will be the focus of the Galleria exhibit in a 2D all media artwork competition by Art League members and local artists. Laura Era of Troika Gallery, Easton, MD will be the judge and cash prizes will be awarded. On display in the Members Spotlight Gallery will be a group show by the “Thursday Drop in Painters.”
Artist Leslie Belloso rediscovered her passion for oil painting in 2001 after a ten-year hiatus from art, during which time she completed an internal medicine residency. At the urging of her husband, she started taking painting workshops and has not looked back since, forging on with her new career. Currently she paints almost exclusively from life: still life, portraits, figures and landscapes. Her oil paintings are filled with lively brushstrokes and her style has been described as contemporary realism with an abstract approach.
John Schisler has studied the techniques of the Dutch Masters since he began painting at age 17. His style is classical realism and in keeping with the tradition of the old masters, he learned to make and use “black oil,” which is used as a basis for the mediums of such masters as Titian, Rubens and Rembrandt. In early 2011, John began to pursue a full time career in art. Along with painting, he also teaches his traditional painting techniques at his home studio in Georgetown, DE.
Pete Hassler will be showing his stone sculptures, although he is also an accomplished painter. After majoring in painting in college, Pete saw an artist carving stone and knew that’s the direction his artwork would take. He took a six-month course to learn the basics and the rest is self-taught. After retiring, Pete converted his garage into a carving studio and now sculpts full time. Much of his work is inspired by the Ocean City area and his proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.
Artist in residence Jan Bain is a very talented watercolorist. Recently retired as a School District Administrator, teacher, and as a Children’s Librarian in New York State, Jan was looking for that perfect hobby, which would enrich her life and retirement, and was lucky enough to discover it in watercolor painting. She enjoys painting landscapes and vibrant sunsets. Join Jan for a meet and greet and painting demonstration on Saturday, March 15. Meet the artist from 11am to 1pm and watch her paint from 1 to 3pm that day. Jan will be in studio E on Fridays and Saturdays during the month and welcomes the public to watch her work.
The Members’ Spotlight Gallery will highlight the work of several members of the Art League of Ocean City who regularly gather to paint at the OC Center for the Arts on Thursday mornings. Artists Judy Benton, George Hamaty, Stasia Heubeck, Connie Kelleher, Barbara Stitcher and Jody Veader can be found painting at the art center on most Thursday mornings. These artists are oil, acrylic and watercolor artists with a variety of backgrounds and experience. They enjoy the experience of painting with others and have produced many fine works. Those interested in joining these artists are welcome to bring their own supplies on Thursdays from 10am to 1pm for open studio time. The cost is $3 and is open to all ALOC members.
The Ocean City Center for the Arts is run by the Art League of OC which is a nonprofit organization. The galleries are open daily, 11am to 4pm. Call the ALOC at 410-524-9433 for more information or visit www.artleagueofoceancity.org.
