Look up on your next Boardwalk stroll, and you may see 18 multi-hued banners, produced from original, locally painted art, each depicting an Ocean City scene, flying all along the boards. These banners are part of the many creative ways the Art League of Ocean City is announcing the “Artists Paint OC” event taking place the weekend of Aug. 8-10.  The colorful banners illustrate the works of artists who have participated in past plein air weekends and give an idea of what is to come from participating artists this month in the Art League’s ever-popular, annual event.

On Friday and Saturday, Aug. 8-9, 50 artists from all over the region will take to the boardwalk, streets, harbors, and marshes in and around Ocean City to paint “en plein air,” the technique of painting outdoors directly from nature. Have fun watching artists paint and then join them Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Ocean City Center for the Arts from 6-8 p.m. for a reception, awards presentation, and “wet paint” sale.

At the reception, be among the first to view over 100 fresh, original paintings completed Friday and Saturday. Enjoy a glass of wine and some hors d’oeuvres and mingle with the artists, friends, residents and summer vacationers who appreciate the arts. Learn more by listening to the judge, Michel Demanche, as she awards the prizes and explains why she chose each particular painting.

Then, on Sunday, Aug. 10, the fun continues with a “Quick Draw Competition” at 9 a.m. Judging and an “Off the Easel” Art Show and Sale starts at 11 a.m., all this occurring downtown at S. Division St. and the Boardwalk.

It’s an event the whole family can be part of and another way to make the most of your outdoor time at the beach.  Observe artists at work outdoors. View, purchase and take home a one-of-a-kind original works of art at affordable prices by a regional artist. End your week at the beach in a fun, new way and bring home a memory for yourself, your family or friends. 

Artwork not sold will remain on display in the Galleria at the Ocean City Center for the Arts at 94^th St. bayside through August. For further information visit www.artleagueofocenacity.org, call 410-524-9433 or email: info@artleagueofoceancity.org.

Funding for public programs and exhibits by the Art League of Ocean City at the Ocean City Center for the Arts is provided, in part, by the Worcester County Arts Council, Maryland State Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, organizations dedicated to cultivating a vibrant cultural community where the arts thrive.