Local Painter's Works On Display At Ocean City Arts Center In August

OCEAN CITY, NJ — The works of an Ocean City local will be on display at the Ocean City Arts Center throughout the month of August.

“My Journey of Inspiration to Canvas,” a collection of paintings by Patti Smith, will open Aug. 1 and run through Aug. 28. A “Meet the Artist” reception will be held on Friday, Aug. 9 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Gallery is located in the Ocean City Arts Center, 1735 Simpson Ave., 2nd Floor.

The paintings on exhibit represent a mix of inspirations that Smith has been able to capture on canvas. Opportunities for inspiration have been endless, from family experiences, beaches, sunsets, travel and emotion. Raised in Ocean City, NJ, (OCHS class of ‘72), the beach and ocean have always been a part of her life, so it is often her inspiration.

Retired from a career in marketing and sales, painting has kept Smith busy and inspired. It was her sister who insisted that she attend Barbara Rosin’s art class at the Arts Center the very week she retired.

Artist Statement: “I want my work to simplify an experience/inspiration with a touch of drama. Have you ever read a book and got lost in it? That is how I feel when I paint; I lose the sense of time and my worries; my focus in on lines, color and shape. My advantage with painting is, I can always open my paints and begin my new journey—my “book” never ends.”

The show runs from Aug. 1-28. The Ocean City Arts Center is located on the second floor in the Ocean City Community Center at 1735 Simpson Ave.. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. The Arts Center is closed on Sunday. For further information, call (609) 399-7628. Check out the Ocean City Arts Center’s website at oceancityartscenter.org and/or on Facebook and Instagram.