About the Art League of Ocean City
Founded in 1963 by a small group of local artists, the nonprofit 501c3 Art League of Ocean City has grown into one of the Eastern Shore’s most respected cultural institutions. It offers more than art—it offers belonging. With a commitment to accessibility, the Art League provides free programming that reaches people of all ages and backgrounds, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to creativity. From family art days to inclusive workshops and community-wide events, the League's free offerings have made it a lifeline for students, seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. It stands as a place where art uplifts everyone, not just a privileged few.
At the heart of it all is a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who see art as a necessity—for individuals and for community. The staff is small but mighty, driven by a shared belief that art can educate, inspire, and transform. They are curators, teachers, advocates, and mentors, often wearing all these hats in a single day. And behind them stands an ever-growing army of volunteers—retired teachers, working artists, students, and long-time residents—who give generously of their time and talents, from helping hang shows to organizing community events.
The Art League is perhaps best known for its dynamic calendar of exhibitions, changing monthly to spotlight emerging and established artists alike. Over 2,300 works were exhibited last year alone, offering artists a vital platform and giving audiences a chance to see their own community reflected in oil, clay, wood, and glass. Admission to the galleries is always free. On any given day, a family visiting the beach might wander in and discover the work of a local painter, while a seasoned collector might come specifically to meet a featured artist and discuss their process.
But the Art League’s impact reaches far beyond gallery walls. Its programs meet people where they are—across ages, abilities, and life circumstances. Free Family Art Days bring together parents and children, some of whom have never picked up a paintbrush before. After-school art programs reach underserved youth in Worcester County, providing not just creativity, but confidence. Veterans find healing in expressive arts workshops, while adults with disabilities find community and joy in inclusive classes designed for every ability.
Signature events throughout the year anchor the Art League’s presence on the Eastern Shore. The Ocean City Film Festival, Artists Paint OC Plein Air competition, and the glamorous pARTy of the Year celebration all bring diverse audiences together around a shared love for the arts. These events draw visitors from across the region and beyond—but they also create economic impact, supporting local businesses and tourism during off-peak seasons.
What makes the Art League of Ocean City truly exceptional is its belief that art belongs to everyone. Whether it's offering scholarships to young artists, providing free supplies for community projects, or making space for a first-time exhibitor to share their work with the world, this organization continually asks: Who else can we welcome in?
And for over sixty years, the answer has been: everyone.
