“Batsto Barn,” by Dee Turba

(LITTLE EGG HARBOR, NJ) -- Throughout the month of April, view the works of 25 talented members of the Art Chat collective at the Ocean County Library Little Egg Harbor Branch, and meet them during a special reception on Wednesday, April 19. The reception runs from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.

Now in its seventh year, Art Chat provides a positive, cooperative atmosphere for visual creators and art lovers, from beginners to professionals, to share their passion, impart their knowledge, provide encouragement, and develop friendships. Members specialize in watercolor, acrylics, oils, gouache, photography, mixed media, and more. 

Artists contributing to the exhibit include Stephanie Belanets, Christine Dennebaum, Pam DeBoer, Nancy Glines, Joe Harness, Jerry Hefner, Herk Jobes, Mary Keeney, Judy Kronmeyer, Marion Lotka, Lester Maijkowicz, James McShea, Kimberly Measure, Antoinette Murphy, Carol Neugebauer, Shelly Christine Ristow, Thomas Rutledge, Catriona Sutton, Phyllis Townsend, Dee Turba, Deana Vaccaro, Robin Valenza-Donaghy, Nancy Willen, and Leslie Williams.

“Art Chat began almost seven years ago to fulfill a need for sharing the love of art and creativity with like-minded people,” said coordinator Nancy Glines. “It has grown to include over 60 people who come when they can, bringing something to share with the group.” She added that the field of interest extends beyond oils and acrylics on canvas, to wood carving, sculpture, quilting, and mixed media.”

“In the past year, we have become associated with the Pine Shores Art Association, but no membership is required to attend Art Chat,” Nancy said. “In this world of social media and isolation, Art Chat has been a blessing to all of us. We are all very grateful for the support of the welcoming Tuckerton Library, where we meet twice a month, and the Little Egg Harbor Library, where we had one very successful and well-attended show last year.”

The exhibit and reception are free and open to the public, with no registration required. The display can be viewed during normal Branch operating hours. For more information, visit the OCL Little Egg Harbor Branch, 290 Mathistown Road, or call (609) 294-1197.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org.