“We have a great musical and artistic community here in Ocean City, and I thought this is a great idea,” Adult Programming Librarian Julie Brown proclaimed.
And with that, the Open Arts Forum was born at the Ocean City Free Public Library.
Mary Roth, radio host of “Artists With a Purpose” on WCFA-LP 101.5 FM had done similar forums in Cape May and proposed doing similar events in Ocean City, Brown said, and there was no hesitation.
The first of what could become a monthly happening will take place Saturday, October 8 at 2 p.m. on the Chris Maloney Lecture Hall at the Library, 1735 Simpson Ave.
“It will be kind of like an open mic event where people can come out and perform and express themselves, but much more than that,” said Brown. She said members of the community are invited to sing, recite poetry, perform monologues , play instruments or represent any and al forms of artistic expression.
“Mary approached me and I thought Ocean City would be a good fit for this type of programming. We have so many talented and artisitic people here, it seemed like a natural.”
Roth, who is also a singer/songwriter in addition to a radio host, will perform several musical selections on the dulcimer, a stringed instrument.
“The idea was to take an event that had been getting a great response in coffee shops (and similar smaller venues) and to bring it to the wider artistic community,” Brown added.
All are welcome to attend and a sign-in sheet will be provided for those who wish to perform one to three pieces. Slots on the program will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Roth will undoubtedly provide insights into her own experiences performing and interacting with the many artistic guests she has brought to her radio show. “Pop” artist Peter Max, and Jane Seymour, the multiple Emmy and Golden Globe winner are just two of the big name talents Roth has worked with. Though best known as a television and motion picture star, Seymour is also an accomplished painter in water colors and oils and a graphic designer.
“Mary Roth is really great about fostering an open environment for the arts and we are excited to be hosting the event,” Brown said. “You don’t have to perform to come out and appreciate the arts.”
For more information, please contact Julie Brown at 609-399-2434 extension 5222 or email her at jbrown@oceancitylibrary.org.
