Every month, Ocean City Center for the Arts hosts an opening reception featuring local artists of all skill levels. The art center picks a specific monthly theme for the artist to adhere to. The March theme was, “People”. People in different places, people from all over the world, mixed media and even photography; anything went as long as it represented people.
“It’s one of our biggest shows yet, we had such a great response with a little over seventy entries,” gallery assistant Katie Rosinski proclaimed. “The variety of entries always blows me away. We give 
artists either a theme or particular subject and we always receive so many different interpretations from all different mediums, which is exciting because you get to see paintings, photography, mixed media and fiber arts. Such variety yet it’s all tied together by a common theme,” Katie continued.
Each theme is thought up and then decided upon by an exhibit committee. Every show is judged, some are even juried. Judged shows are a competition with cash prizes, however all entries are hung on a space-available basis. Juried shows are more selective and not all entries will be accepted to the show.
Ocean City Center for the Arts opening reception and “People” show was judged by artist and co-owner of Troika Gallery in Easton MD, Laura Era. Laura is a very skilled portrait artist specializing in oil painting and pastels. Laura’s familiarity with her trade makes her a particularly suitable choice as a judge.
The show announced a total of eight ribbon holders, three place winners and five honorable mentions. One of the honorable mentions (who will also be April’s Artist in Residence), Monika Lilley entered a 
stunning unique fiber arts piece. “When I found out the theme for the month I decided I wanted to try to capture people as a whole, something that everyone could relate to. I love working with fiber and often call it painting with wool. I focus a lot on color and idea” Monika stated. Monika has been working in fiber for about 13 years but has only delved into the art side in the last five years. “This show was only the third art gallery show I have entered” Monika confirmed.
Ocean City Center for the Arts offers an opening reception, free to the public, the first Friday of every month. The prices per exhibit entries are $15 dollars for non-members and $10 for members, a total of two entries per artist. Light refreshments are also offered (March 7th opening receptions refreshments were donated by Rice House). The art center also hopes to supply live music. Local musicians who would appreciate participating are encouraged to contact the Center for the Arts directly. Ocean City Center for the Arts is located on 94th street on the bay and open daily 11 am-4 pm.
