Page 20 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch October 4, 2013 8K-Plus Visited New Ocean City Center For The Arts In Summer By JOANNE SHRINER STAFF WRITER OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Center for the Arts welcomed more than 8,000 visitors from May to September, exceeding officials’ early expectations. Art League of Ocean City (ALOC) Executive Director Rina Thaler attended Tuesday’s Mayor and City Council work session to give an update on the activities and educational services of the new center. “I have nothing but good things to report to you,” Thaler said. “The art center has been extremely well received. … Every day we are adding different ways to become part of the fabric and fiber of Ocean City.” According to Thaler, from May through September, over 8,000 people visited the arts center on 94th Street. Visitor reactions have been positive, as people are often overwhelmed with the beautiful space that awaits them. The center has become an economic engine by providing income for local artists, artisans and art instructors. “Ocean City has reached new heights with the addition of the Ocean City Center for the Arts,” she said. “We are grateful for the opportunity to fulfill our non-profit mission of promoting the arts in Ocean City in a wonderful new building as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the ALOC.” Thaler reviewed some of the many programs the art center offers in the new facility, such as the multiple gallery spaces that have presented a variety of art exhibits featuring local and regional artists while simultaneously introducing the community to artists and mediums. The art center provides an artistin-residence studio that offers a different artist each month the opportunity to have space to create and exhibit their art as well as interact with the public and teach while they are in residence. The exhibit space has featured the work of both UMES and Salisbury University faculty and students and Worcester County school children. This month the visual and literary arts are being featured through the OC Library Writers group to interpret the paintings of Pete Crosby and Randy Hofman through poetry and prose. The art center provides art education through a variety of art classes, which hundreds of children and adults have attended. The facility has also hosted a professional deSEE NEXT PAGE ✥✡¤✼✡✡¤✵✍✎✌¤✣✚✡✌✡¤✷✎✡✚✽ SATURDAY, OCT. 5 • 11 A.M.-2 P.M. EXCALIBUR #904 • 132ND STREET, COASTAL HIGHWAY Beautiful ocean view 2 bedroom, 2 bath North OC condo. Two assigned parking spaces, hurricane shutters, and pool. Updated stainless steel appliances. Newer master bedroom window to take in those views. $269,900 BLUE MARLIN Awesome, spacious and clean 2BR/2BA waterfront condo. Amenities include elevator, outdoor pool, boat dock, waterfront balcony, wood burning fireplace, and more. Shows great! Boat slips are available for rent. $209,000 THE PARKE Ready to move in 2BR/2BA Villa. Located on cul-de-sac across from natural wooded preserve and nature trail. Walking distance to shops and restaurants. Enjoy all the amenities of this Ocean Pines 55+ Community. $189,000 ✰✒✆✎✔✡¤✯✆✙✎✠✌✔ 267-304-1550 11551 Coastal Highway • Ocean City, MD 21842 410-723-3600 (Office) • OceanCityCrossroads.com