OCEAN CITY, Md-
People in Ocean City are feeling artsy! Friday kicked off the First Friday event of the new year.
The Art League of Ocean City holds the event each month; giving local artists the opportunity to show off at the new galleries.
One artist, Marisa Longo, turned disaster into sculpture. Her piece, Tree on a Half Shell, was inspired by the destruction of Assateague Island from Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
Tree Sculpture
"The island was almost devastated. I was able to go back to the island and I saw the trees that I love, and their roots were totally exposed and the dunes were really wiped down. I just was impressed by that artistic look that the tree would lock on to the dune," said Longo.
"Within this one building we have several galleries, artist studios, different things going on at one time. So when people come to a First Friday they're not just seeing one show., they'll see multiple shows," said the Executive Director of the Art League, Rina Thaler.
The Art League of Ocean City knows how to throw an event, coastal style. Guests enjoyed complimentary seafood, appetizers, and refreshments. At the end of the event, awards were passed out to artists.
Art
"First Friday is a great way to introduce yourself to the art center. If you haven't been down here, there are so many things we offer. Classes, events, exhibits. It's a great way to see and find out what's going on in the art scene in Ocean City," said Thaler.
The current galleries will stay the same until the end of January. The building is open seven days a week to see them.
