New Arts Center Ground Breaking Planned

OCEAN CITY — Ground breaking will occur on April 15 at 1:30 p.m. for the new Ocean City Center for the Arts on 94th Street

The center will include a large gallery than can accommodate more than one exhibit at a time, a pottery studio, multiple classrooms, space for an art library and shop, multi-purpose space for rental by community groups, studio space for artists and the ability to offer additional programs for children and adults.  

Forming a partnership with the town of Ocean City, the Art League of Ocean City (ALOC) has proposed, designed and helped to fund the new center. In addition, the ALOC will be responsible for the operation, staff and maintenance of the new art center.

To fulfill these responsibilities, the ALOC has launched its Capital Campaign, “Building the Arts.”

“The new center will enhance Ocean City’s quality of life through arts education, entertainment and by stimulating our local economy. We hope many will join us in this new venture by donating to our ‘Building the Arts’ Capital Campaign,” Rina Thaler, co-chair of the campaign, said.

The campaign goal is to raise $500,000 needed for the fixtures, furniture, equipment, and operation of the new facility. To date, over $200,000 has been pledged, including funds from the State of Maryland, businesses and personal contributions. Construction should be finished by the end of the year.

 A fund has been established at the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore and donations may be made directly to them. Naming opportunities starting at $2500.00 have been established. Those interested in naming opportunities should contact either co-chairperson: Thaler at 410-726-7768 or Pete Gibson at 410-600-0055 for further details. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

About The Author: Steven Green

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The writer has been with The Dispatch in various capacities since 1995, including serving as editor and publisher since 2004. His previous titles were managing editor, staff writer, sports editor, sales account manager and copy editor. Growing up in Salisbury before moving to Berlin, Green graduated from Worcester Preparatory School in 1993 and graduated from Loyola University Baltimore in 1997 with degrees in Communications (journalism concentration) and Political Science.