Author: Jeff Evans

Now celebrating 19 years, the Art League of Ocean City’s annual outdoor painting festival, “Artists Paint OC,” is happening Aug. 14-18 in the resort, giving you the opportunity to select from hundreds
of just-created original landscape paintings of iconic coastal scenes

For five days, 50 artists compete for the top prizes of cash and prestige as they spread out across the area to paint famous vistas. These “plein air” artists are professionals; many are award winners in multiple competitions.  

There are two opportunities to buy the original art. You are invited to the free “Wet Paint Sales” on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 5-7 p.m. and on Sunday, Aug. 18, from 1-3 p.m. Both sales are held at the waterfront Ocean City Center for the Arts, 502 94^th St. bayside, and both are free to attend. Every painting is one-of-a-kind and ready to hang.

“If you’re looking for a permanent and unique memory of your time in Ocean City, this is an opportunity to find a treasure no one else but you will have,” Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League, said. “This event only happens once a year, and our Arts Center is the only place you’ll find literally hundreds of original paintings to choose from.” 

The “Wet Paint Sales” at the Arts Center are a chance to mix and mingle with the artists, and enjoy light refreshments, live music, and a cash bar. The juror for this year’s event is Dutch artist Carole Boggemann Peirson who has been a professional oil painter since 2005 and is mostly known for her East Coast landscapes. Peirson moved to the United States from her native Netherlands in 2000 when she and her husband tied the knot and now lives on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. 

The easiest time and place to watch the artists paint is on the Boardwalk on Sunday morning, when they’re concentrated in the immediate area near South Division St. In two hours, from 9-11 a.m., the artists race to complete a painting of an iconic Boardwalk scene, frame it, and run it to the Arts Center on 94^th St. Peirson will judge the paintings, with cash prizes awarded by the Ocean City Development Corp. The art goes up for sale to the public at 1 p.m., while the paint is still wet on the canvasses.

The following article was provided by the Art League of Ocean City. For more information, please visit their website by clicking here.

Ocean City, Maryland, is more than a picturesque beachfront town boasting mouth watering seafood and breathtaking landscapes. It’s a vibrant community enriched by tradition and a shared love for the sea. Embodied in this community spirit is a long-standing opportunity of adventure for over 35 years, the Sea Rocket! Showcasing how this celebrated attraction seamlessly blends thrilling water activities with Ocean City’s robust community, let’s set sail on an exploratory experience.

The Patriotic Spirit of the Sea Rocket Speedboat

The Sea Rocket, painted in patriotic colors of red, white, and blue, symbolizes the American Dream! This is more than a speedboat; it’s an emblem of national pride that rides the waves of Ocean City. The Sea Rocket experience allows both locals and visitors to engage with the Atlantic Ocean’s mighty splendor while taking in an awe-inspiring perspective of Ocean City’s skyline. As you skim along the coastline, you can spot iconic landmarks, your own hotel such as The Doubletree by Hilton or The Holiday Inn, and even playful bottlenose dolphins, our regular aquatic companions- further enhancing your connection with this vibrant coastal community.

Basking in Nature’s Grandeur: Sea Rocket Sunset Cruises

As your day of adventure comes to an end, we invite you to join us on a more relaxing adventure: the Sea Rocket Sunset Cruise. Watch as the setting sun paints a canvas of golden hues across the sky, bathing the cityscape in a warm, calming light. Every landmark, from the bustling boardwalk to the beautiful beachside hotels, radiates in the sunset’s glow. These shared moments of tranquility, watching nature’s spectacle together, are the very essence of our close-knit community. Harrison’s Harbor Watch, only 5 minutes away, is one site that may grab your attention and be the place for dinner after your cruise comes to an end.

Elevating Adventures with Ocean Parasailing

For thrill-seekers, Sea Rocket’s parasailing ventures offer an exhilarating bird’s-eye view of our beautiful city and the neighboring Assateague Island State Park. As you’re lifted high into the sky, snugly fastened, and securely linked to our trusty boat, you’ll get a whole new perspective on Ocean City! It’s a sight that’ll stick with you as you satisfy your thrill seeking desire. Hey, is that your hotel over there? Seeing it from way up here sure makes you feel like a part of this remarkable city! Who knows, this new view may pique your interest of some new places to visit once you return to land, such as the new Wedge Bar that is located right in the inlet!

Sea Rocket: Activities for All

The Sea Rocket offers various exciting water activities for everyone. Hop onto our Banana Boat for an adrenaline-fueled ride or explore the calm waters with our kayak and Stand Up Paddle Boards [SUP] rentals. We also offer Private Party Cruises, ideal for unforgettable gatherings to share memorable moments against the beautiful backdrop of Ocean City. Angling enthusiasts can dive into a thrilling deep-sea adventure with Chaser Sportfishing, reaffirming Sea Rocket’s commitment to offering a variety of engaging activities that cater to everyone.

We are proud to partner with the Sea Rocket to provide guests with an incredible Ocean City experience. From soaring through the sky to cruising along the beautiful coastline, let the Sea Rocket steer toward an adventure you’ll cherish forever. To receive a ten percent discount on any Sea Rocket experience click here to book your adventure today! Please enter “OCMDHOTELS10” to receive the discount.