Art Professor Exhibits in August in Ocean City

Multi-talented artist Rita Michalenko brings her plein air paintings and drawings to the in an exhibit that opens tomorrow (Wednesday, Aug. 1) and runs through Aug. 31.

A "Meet the Artist" reception, free and open to the public, will be held 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 10.

Michalenko, an associate professor of art at Atlantic Cape Community College, teaches ceramics, drawing, crafts, watercolor and oil painting. She gets much of her inspiration from the sheep farm in Atlantic County where she and her husband reside.

"Most of my work is based on plein air observations of rural life, presenting a sense of place and its inhabitants," Michalenko said.

These interpretations are recorded in a variety of media including pencil, pastels, watercolor, and oil painting. More than mere notations, the works convey serenity and peace coupled with color and technique.

A member of the Ocean City Fine Arts League, and the Riverfront Renaissance Center for the Arts in Millville, Michalenko has exhibited throughout Philadelphia and New Jersey.

The art will be for sale throughout the month. For further information, call the Ocean City Arts Center at (609) 399-7628 or visit www.oceancityartscenter.org. The Arts Center is located in the at 1735 Simpson Avenue and is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

— Rosalyn Lifshin, Ocean City Arts Center