Every summer the Ocean Beach Historical Society tries to include one artist exhibition as part of its seasonal program. The artist exhibition is usually 2-3 weeks long and held in mid- to late July. Due to increased interest and our short season, we have found it necessary to standardize our review process for submissions and consideration.

What is the review process?
Usually in late August the Society’s board has its final meeting of the season. It is then that exhibition possibilities for the upcoming year are reviewed and discussed. All artists who have expressed interest and have sent a submission package are considered. Each submission is discussed individually and may be voted on immediately, but more often than not, the board chooses to ponder exhibition possibilities over the winter, and final decisions are often not reached until March or early April.

What are the criteria?
Paintings, photographs, and three-dimensional works are all possible candidates for an exhibition. Works will be judged on their artistic merits and on their pertinence to Ocean Beach and Fire Island. Relevance to Fire Island is defined broadly: it could include a watercolor seascape, an assemblage of native shells, even photographs of children at the July 4th baby parade. The Board must agree, however, that the work has the feel of Fire Island. Photographs of Paris or the Caribbean would probably not fit this definition.

Having at least a portion of the works you choose to exhibit for sale is encouraged. The Ocean Beach Historical Society commands a commission of no less than 20% of all artwork sold through the gallery. The Ocean Beach Historical Society reserves the right to disqualify any artwork or series of works that presents an out-of-ordinary risk of physical injury or illness to gallery visitors or staff.

How does one apply?
We recommend that you send 5-10 examples of your work in the form of color photocopies or expendable photographs. Please do not send slides. Do not send original work or costly portfolios; we are not responsible for lost or damaged submissions. If you want your work returned to you, please enclose an appropriate envelope with sufficient postage. Please include a written statement about your artwork, your connections to Fire Island, and your background and training. Please include both summer and winter contact information. Send your submission no later than August 15.

This application process has been developed to give every artist interested in exhibiting at the Ocean Beach Historical Society the same chance as his or her peers, and to ensure that a variety of exhibits will hang in the gallery over the years.