Ocean City’s Enduring Masterpiece: The Boardwalk Art Show’s Rich History and Enduring Appeal
As the summer sun warms the shores of Ocean City, New Jersey, anticipation builds for a cherished annual tradition that transforms the city’s iconic boardwalk into a vibrant, open-air art gallery. The 62nd annual Boardwalk Art Show will showcase an unparalleled display of artistic talent, inviting residents and visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty and creativity of the region’s finest artists.
The 62nd Annual Boardwalk Art Show will run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, August 1st, and Saturday, August 2nd, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, August 3rd. The show will take place on the picturesque Ocean City Boardwalk between Eighth Street and 13th Street. Attendees will discover an exquisite array of fine art, including captivating oils, vibrant acrylics, delicate watercolors, meticulously detailed drawings, innovative mixed media creations, and compelling photography. Whether you’re a seasoned collector looking to expand your curated treasures or a new enthusiast seeking to embark on your art journey, the wide variety of artists offers something to captivate every artistic sensibility.
The longevity of the Ocean City Boardwalk Art Show is a remarkable achievement, establishing it as a cornerstone of the regional arts scene. This sustained success is intrinsically linked to the dedication of the Ocean City Arts Center, the proud sponsor of the event.
The relationship between the Boardwalk Art Show and the Ocean City Arts Center is a symbiotic one. Local lore and historical accounts suggest that the Arts Center itself was founded, in part, as a direct result of the momentum generated by the early Boardwalk Art Shows. Early visionaries, such as Dr. Marcia Smith, Ocean City’s first female doctor and an honors graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, and artist-businessman James F. Penland, worked with then-Mayor B. Thomas Waldman to bring the colorful exhibition to life. The resounding success of these initial shows paved the way for the establishment of the Ocean City Arts Center and firmly positioned Ocean City on the “cultural map.” Mayor Waldman was also instrumental in establishing the Ocean City Historical Museum and provided the initial homes for both the Museum and the Arts Center in a former schoolhouse on Wesley Avenue, demonstrating a holistic commitment to the city’s cultural enrichment.
Over the decades, the Boardwalk Art Show has remained steadfast in its mission to emphasize fine arts, offering a distinguished platform for imaginative, aesthetically pleasing, and intellectually stimulating works. It has consistently attracted a high caliber of artists from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York, Maryland, and Virginia, providing them with a unique and picturesque venue. The ability to interact directly with the artists, to learn about their creative processes, and to purchase art directly from the creators themselves adds an invaluable dimension to the experience.
The 62nd annual Boardwalk Art Show stands as a shining example of Ocean City’s dedication to creativity, community, and culture. It’s an invitation to experience art in an unforgettable setting, to connect with talented artists, and to become a part of a tradition that has enriched the “America’s Greatest Family Resort” for over six decades.
For further information about the Boardwalk Art Show, please contact the Ocean City Arts Center at 609-399-7628 or visit www.oceancityartscenter.org.