ARTS Creativity Weekend in Ocean Grove, N.J.

A.R.T.S' 26th anniversary year!

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This spring's convention in Ocean Grove is scheduled for May 13, 14 and 15, 2011 -- two weeks before Memorial Day.

Right now, you can surf this website (see the column at left) and make sure that you are on the mailing list so that you receive notice on all A.R.T.S. events.

Updated information -- including registration materials -- will be live approximately six weeks before the event.

Join Us For A Weekend of Insight, Fellowship and Fun

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Pictures of Ocean Grove, New Jersey, taken by A.R.T.S. members

The A.R.T.S. convention -- a creative retreat -- is an opportunity to explore your creativity in a supportive and caring environment. In the company of fellow artists, you’ll be encouraged to challenge your fears and move past your limitations.

There will be meetings and music jams, art workshops and ARTShares, dancing and ocean dipping, coffee and conversation -- all providing motivation and inspiration for the year ahead! And all in the Victorian beach town of Ocean Grove, NJ!

COME ONE, COME ALL!

A.R.T.S. welcomes artists of all levels -- from beginners to hobbyists to established professionals.

We use the weekend to get to know one another, share our art, our recovery, and our experience, strength and hope. Although it is called a "convention," we do not conduct business here. You do not have to be an official delegate, a long-time member, or an “insider” to attend.

PERFECT FOR NEWCOMERS

Many people have their first experience with A.R.T.S. in Ocean Grove, and return yearly. Others who have no actual meeting in their areas, or who participate in A.R.T.S. via telephone conference call, return each spring to connect with friends in person.

Click here to learn more about A.R.T.S.

THE WEEKEND

The convention opens at 5:00 pm on Friday, and concludes with lunch at 1:00 pm on Sunday.

FRIDAY: Convention registration begins at 5:00 pm. The literature table will also be open, selling copies of A.R.T.S. literature. The program begins with a casual buffet dinner at 6:30 pm at the Bath Ave House, 37 Bath Ave. (corner of Central) followed by a 7:45 pm keynote address and sharing among the fellowship in the Community Room (located on Pilgrim Pathway at the corner of Pittman Avenue.)

click here to download a PDF version of the map.

SATURDAY: A day filled with fellowship meetings, topic workshops and creative process shares, culminating in the annual convention highlight - the ARTShare in the historic Tabernacle. Another casual buffet dinner is available to make it easy for everyone to relax and be on time for the ARTShare beginning at 6:30pm. For those arriving Saturday, please stop at any ARTS hotel for a schedule.

SUNDAY: Start the day with seaside yoga (bring your yoga mat!), a step workshop and meetings. Closing ceremonies are followed by a casual buffet lunch.

But don't run off yet! Plan to stay to display and sell your CDs, cards, and artwork at the ARTS Market, then hang around town for a leisurely evening with other A.R.T.S. members.

THE 2010 SCHEDULE WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD ONE WEEK BEFORE THE CONVENTION. SEE THE DOWNLOAD SECTION IN THE LEFT-HAND COLUMN

The A.R.T.S. Convention is a major fundraiser for the A.R.T.S. World Service Organization. WSO maintains a small office in Manhattan where it creates and distributes literature, employs a part-time staff member, and maintains the A.R.T.S. website and hotline to respond to all A.R.T.S. inquiries. Your registration fee is a fully tax-deductible contribution to A.R.T.S. Anonymous World Service. By supporting the convention, you contribute to the financial abundance of our program and help us carry our message to all artists seeking support.

Testimonials

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If you attended any of the recent Ocean Grove weekends, send us your testimonial!

"For me, A.R.T.S. recovery has been about growth through creative risk-taking and breaking self-restricting artistic habits. Nowhere has that process been more evident than at the Convention. In my case, it inspired a musical satire despite my tendency to write serious works. The work was selected for an international recording series, which solicited additional, contrasting material. I've been a part of that series ever since. Without the Convention, it probably wouldn't have occurred to me to take that risk. 'No matter how small or how simple' – the process works."
-- Adam L., songwriter/performer/producer

"Going to ARTS in Ocean Grove is a balm on my creative soul. This year I sang, danced, did improv and projected my images on Saturday night. It is my favorite place to play."
-- Kate E.

"It's very precious to me to have such a supportive and enthusiastic group of people to perform in front of. The opportunity to try out my new material in such a safe and responsive environment is so valuable to me. Every year it takes me to the next stage of my creative development. Thanks ARTS!"
-- Hilda H., singer/songwriter, New York

"As usual Ocean Grove meets and exceeds all expectations. We are such an amazing community. I am sending you all so much love. I have a renewed faith that this energy is and will continue. I really do feel empowered in a new way. I really get what Nick F. pointed out: the words we, us and our for me truly are the most important words in the steps. I can allow myself to belong, I no longer have to be a misfit. I will continue in a new way to support myself in getting my art out into the world, in bringing out my LIGHT from behind the proverbial or should I say preverbial bushel!"
-- Love, Ellen W., NYC

"I've been attending the ARTS Ocean Grove convention for the last 14 years and I'm always gratified by the warmth, the sharing, and the talent of all our members. I'm so grateful to be part of a program that has encouraged and helped me grow as a musician and I love spending time with my friends in this beautiful setting on the Jersey shore. Thanks ARTS."
-- Val G.

Excellent weekend! I've been going for some time (I think this was #15 for me) and I always have a great time. But this year, because there were so many newcomers, I realized that my pleasure is actually divided into two parts: (1) my own personal experience, and (2) being a part of (and witness to) so many new members' experience. There's no way you can see the difference between people's curiosity and trepidation when they arrive on Friday and their happiness and gratitude when they leave on Sunday without it having an effect on you. So thanks again to all the ARTS planners and contributors, and another big Thank You to all the newcomers who decided to take a chance on something new -- you made the weekend especially great for me.
-- Jay M., recording engineer, musician, website developer

So grateful I could speak up at last in each group meeting, feeling I belong. Taught a fine essay writing lesson. Hugged several beautiful people, went home happy.
-- Jay A., Tarrytown, poet, artist, dreamer, shy shrink

I've been in A.R.T.S. eleven years, going on twelve - November 18th. I was introduced to A.R.T.S. by a Mary who'd been a member of A.R.T.S. several years. She was an excellent painter and concert pianist.

It was really a great revelation to me when Mary brought up A.R.T.S., a meeting she'd been going to at St. Peter's Church, E. 53rd Street and Lexington Avenue. Just before joining A.R.T.S., she and I had talked about art, what we liked, what we felt we were good at. I found myself admiring Mary's paintings, which she often did outside in public, e.g. Bryant Park. I heard her play piano once - at the A.R.T.S. meeting at St. Peter's Church.

So, I was brought into my first A.R.T.S. meeting, Friday, November 18, 1998 - I believe it being the 18th. I witnessed a large group of people talking about their art, difficulties they'd had - to even high emotions and tears! It moved me very much, and I could see how I myself could participate.

As time went by, I got to participate in Artshares - playing piano mainly - sometimes singing. I eventually did some female impersonations. I loved how the group supported me, not ridiculing me as had happened other times when I'd tried getting involved artistically, especially Karaoke. It was the one and only activity I looked forward to except eating, and having done a little of my art at the city's library - writing. I had started writing 'MY HOMELESS EXPERIENCE' in 1997, on thrown-away brown paper bags, using pens and pencils I'd found. Eventually I ended up in city libraries, learning the Internet, e-mail; which I put my writings on, saving them. I now have maybe twenty email addresses full of my writings, mainly non-fiction, some fiction. Yet, I did not share my writings with A.R.T.S., not until this year - 2010 - at the upcoming Ocean Grove Convention.

I'm also into photography, and shortly after joining A.R.T.S., my brother brought in my old Minolta 700 SLR camera, which I had used prior to my becoming homeless. In 1998, nearly 1999; it had been about three years since I'd used a camera, except the cheap throwaway versions I'd manage to get before having that great Minolta 700 SLR. It took me a while to relearn how to use it again - Christmas 1998 photos all ruined but a couple. By spring, I'd mastered it pretty well.

It was A.R.T.S. that got me going again when I thought all had been lost. It even made my other time worth getting through - the terribly boring days becoming less so though still pretty bad. I just looked forward to A.R.T.S. every Friday at St. Peter's Church. I got to know the other members, appreciating their talents, they mine. I felt like I'd become a member of a family again, when my own had failed me - still so. A.R.T.S. got me through the week, my carrying it with me. I got more and more involved doing my art, adding the other talents I had that had just about been lost. I am a multi-talented artist, making it difficult to concentrate on just one, though now I see my music might just be leaving me. It could be that writing will be the main thing for me, as our founder Abby had thought piano playing would be for me. I hate to see one talent lost that I'd had. I guess one never really loses it, but as 'they' say - "If you don't use it, you lose it." To a degree, that may have happened to me.

I turned 70 last December, and one of the traits of older people in A.R.T.S. can be - it's too late, I'm too old. I still feel this way, as I've not 'arrived' yet as a professionally paid artist. You tend to feel, at my age, even if it happens - how long would I get to enjoy it? I now live under Section 8 housing, would love to have my own home, apartment. How long would that last were I to suddenly have that, at 70? I could die tomorrow. Yet, I believe in living for today, as tomorrow never comes - today always. My mother used to say that: "Take today" - even three days before she died! By the way, my Ocean Grove share this year honors her - 'A LAST MOTHER'S DAY GOOD-BYE'. I'll do a five-minute reading, have a 1984 photo of the two of us shown as a slide. Young people can die today as well!

So, A.R.T.S. has been my savior, God in mind, the Serenty Prayer, which we always say. I have such a great attitude now, despite intermittent negatives thrown at me, that I can make my time count, doing my art, not for the money nor fame of it - I just love it! A.R.T.S. helped me realize this.

I want to thank Abby B for starting this fabulous group in 1984, the year my mother died. My mother was an artist - painted and played the piano and organ. I also want to thank everybody in A.R.T.S. - mostly - for having helped me so much through very dark days, and still, with things having got a lot better. I've enjoyed the meetings, though I have not gone to any in a while - also having enjoyed eleven Ocean Grove, NJ, annual Conventions. I always look forward to that every May, eveverything about it - Friday evenings through Sunday afternoons - the work shops, Saturday night 5-minute artshares on stage before a supporting audience. It's nearly like The Academy Awards! Sort of! Thank You!
-- Toby V.

Transportation

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BY AIR

Newark Liberty Airport is the closest airport to Ocean Grove. When you arrive, take the AirTrain to the New Jersey Transit rail station at the airport. You can then connect to NJ Transit North jersey Coast line service to Asbury Park (which is the closest stop to Ocean Grove.) Once in Ocean Grove, you can either walk to A.R.T.S. hotels and event venues (it is about 1-1/2 miles) or take one of the taxis (see TAXIS below) lined up at the station.

NJ Transit train schedules and fares between Newark Airport and Asbury Park

BY TRAIN FROM NEW YORK PENN STATION

Trains run frequently from New York Penn Station, located at 32nd Street and Seventh Avenue in Manhattan to the Asbury Park station. Once in Ocean Grove, you can either walk to A.R.T.S. hotels and event venues (it is about 1-1/2 miles) or take one of the taxis lined up at the station. Follow these links to train schedules and fares:

NJ Transit train schedules and fares between New York Penn Station and Asbury Park

BY BUS FROM NEW YORK PORT AUTHORITY

Academy Bus Lines provides frequent service to downtown Ocean Grove from New York Port Authority Bus Terminal, located at 42nd Street and Eighth Avenue in Manhattan. The bus leaves passengers within a short walk of A.R.T.S. hotels and event venues in Ocean Grove. Follow this link for Academy Bus Lines fares and schedules

BY CAR

Ocean Grove is off exit 100 from the Garden State Parkway. Follow this link to Mapquest for driving instructions.

TAXIS

Citi Cab: 732-776-5700
Vet's Cab Service: 732-774-7711
Top's Taxi:: 732-776-7711

Top's Taxi is physically located inside the Asbury train station and cabs generally line the parking lot. All of these cabs service the Asbury Park train station and they charge between $3-4 to reach the hotels of Ocean Grove.

The Town of Ocean Grove

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Ocean Grove is a beautiful Victorian town that was founded in 1869 by the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Known as "God's Square Mile," Ocean Grove is a "dry" town with no liquor sold. There are no bars or pubs and alcoholic drinks are strictly "BYOB" in all restaurants and inns.

The Camp Meeting Association is our host for the convention; we rent their meeting facilities and enjoy their hospitality. Please be sure to respect their properties. We also must keep outside noise down after 9 pm and before 7 am. On Sundays, the beach is closed until 12:30 pm.

For information about Camp Meeting Association events and worship opportunities, visit The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association website. Be sure to view the tent life slide show that gives a peek inside the life of the Ocean Grove tenters.

Ocean Grove also has a thriving town center, with restaurants, shops, and service businesses. The Ocean Grove Chamber of Commerce website will help you locate restaurants and services during your stay in Ocean Grove.

Click on the map to see a larger version, or click here to download a PDF version of the map.

2010 Official Convention Hotels

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A number of hotels in the town of Ocean Grove are designated Official A.R.T.S. Convention Hotels. Many of our events are located in their facilities, and their innkeepers offer special rates to our members.

Make reservations directly with these hotels. If you need to share a room, you should find a roommate prior to calling the hotel. Use the links below to either reserve over the internet, or to get contact information.

OFFICIAL CONVENTION HOTELS

A special discounted A.R.T.S. rate is available at the inns listed below, but please make your reservations as soon as possible, as discounted rates are subject to availability.

Bath Avenue House. 37 Bath Avenue. 732-775-5833. Entire inn is being held for A.R.T.S. members. Prices are $60 to $100 per night for rooms with shared baths. Breakfast is available at $7 per person with advance notice. There are also a limited number of breakfasts available for non-guests. Free Wi-Fi throughout the building.

Quaker Inn. 39 Main Ave. 732-775-7525. Single rooms ($65-$75) and double rooms ($80-$100) are available with private bath.

Bellevue Stratford. 7 Main Avenue. 732-775-2424. Rooms with semi-private and private baths are available from $85 to $125 per night. Some rooms have two twin beds and are available for shares. Wifi is available. Breakfast is included. Stay 3 nights and the 4th is free.

OTHER HOTELS

There are also many other charming inns in Ocean Grove, if you'd prefer to select your own place. For further information, visit The Inns of Ocean Grove

RideShare Bulletin Board

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If you need, or can offer, a ride to the A.R.T.S. weekend in Ocean Grove, this is the place to ask and offer.

Please write to ArtsServiceNYC@gmail.com with the following information:

Your "leaving from home" location
Your "leaving from home" and "leaving from Ocean Grove" times
How many people/animals/suitcases you have room for
If you're willing to pick-up or drop-off along the way
Financial help requested or offered (i.e., you can or cannot contribute to gas and tolls.)
Anything else you'd like to say (smokers OK, share driving, etc.)
Your contact email (no phone numbers)

Here's an example of what we will print:

RIDE OFFERED

Leaving from: Wantage, NJ
Leaving time: 10 am on Friday, May 15
Room for: Two plus driver
Route: Willing to pick up, return to anywhere along with Route 15/287 corridor
Financials: Split gas and tolls
Leaving Ocean Grove at: 8 pm on Sunday, May 17
Other information: no snakes
Contact: LicensedRevoked@gmail.com

We will update this page daily, so check back often to give or get a ride.

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ACTIVE LISTINGS

Frequently Asked Questions

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Who comes to the retreat?

Everyone who wants to explore and expand their personal creativity -- painters, poets, architects, illustrators, animators, writers, graphic designers, fashion designers, set designers, dancers, knitters, quilters, sculptors, singers, chefs, composers, musicians, performers, actors, and comics, to name a few.

Do I have to stay overnight at a convention hotel?

You do not have to stay overnight in Ocean Grove nor at one of our participating hotels. You can commute to the convention if you live in the surrounding area.

Can I come for just one day?

You can come for Saturday alone, but to get the full value of the convention, we encourage you to come for the whole weekend. The convention registration rate is the same. Be aware that the Saturday night ARTShare does not end until 11:00 pm, so be sure to check transit schedules for your ride home.

Who pays the “newcomer” rate?

If this is your first time attending the convention – whether you are new to A.R.T.S. or a long-time member – you can register at the newcomer rate.

What do I do for meals?

Ocean Grove has cafes, delis, and a supermarket. The three A.R.T.S. group meals, Friday dinner, Saturday dinner, and Sunday lunch, are optional. Check with your hotel about using their refrigerator space if you need to bring special food. A.R.T.S. does not have access to kitchen facilities.

Can I take pictures at the convention?

Picture taking and audio recording of meetings or art shares is strictly forbidden without the express permission of the person being photographed and/or recorded.

Can I invite guests to the ARTShare?

The Saturday night ARTShare is a members-only program, designed to be a safe space for member performances. Only paid convention participants may attend.

What is a Creative Process Share?

The Creative Process Share, held on Saturday afternoon, is an alternative to the ARTShare in the Tabernacle on Saturday night. It is perfect for newcomers and people who wish to share their art and their process in a smaller, more intimate, setting.

Who do I call if I am running late or if there is an emergency?

As our convention is held in a number of unrelated facilities (as opposed to one big convention hotel), and staffed by volunteers, there is no central on-site phone number to call. The best thing to do is to have the cell phone number of a "buddy" who is also attending the convention to call if you are late, lost, or have any other problem. You or your buddy will be able to find a convention staff member (who will be wearing special colored bandanas) for assistance. Staff members will have a way to contact convention leaders.

2010 Group Meals

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We’ve arranged for casual group meals to give you more time to relax and enjoy the programs and fellowship. A Saturday night buffet dinner, designed to get you to the ARTShare on time, has been included again this year.

All meals are served party-style in the Bath Avenue House living rooms and porch, not at sit-down tables. Bon appetit!

Friday Dinner $20 – Welcome Buffet
Grilled chicken, vegetarian pasta, salad bar, dessert
TBA

Saturday Dinner $15 - Pre-ARTShare Dinner
Homemade wraps, grilled chicken with avocado, meatloaf, grilled veggies and mozzarella, pasta with veggies, olive oil and garlic, green salad, fruit and cheese, dessert and drinks.

Sunday Lunch $20 – BBQ Buffet
Pulled pork, sesame chicken, homemade baked beans, Ratatouille, sauteed vegetable medley. brown rice mix, green salad, macaroni & cheese, rolls and butter, dessert and beverages.

Please be sure to wear your lanyard and name tag during these meals; your meal tickets -- which will be attached to the lanyard -- will be collected at the meal.

Contact Information

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Before the event

A.R.T.S. Hotline: 212-873-7075

A.R.T.S. World Service Office: P.O. Box 230175, New York, NY 10023

After the event

A.R.T.S. Hotline: 212-873-7075

A.R.T.S. World Service Office: P.O. Box 230175, New York, NY 10023

Volunteers Wanted

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The A.R.T.S. Annual Convention needs you! Our convention is successful due to the generosity of A.R.T.S. members who volunteer their time before, during, and after the weekend. Please read the list of opportunities below, and send an email to ArtsServiceNYC@gmail.com to volunteer. We appreciate any amount of time that you can give.

FRIDAY

Drivers needed to transport equipment and supplies from Manhattan to Ocean Grove on Friday morning.

Community Room set-up: 3 pm - 5 pm
Registration table: 5-9 pm
Nametag table: 5-9 pm
On-site volunteers throughout the evening

SATURDAY

Community Room Set-Up for Crafts Workshop: 11 am - Noon
Community Room Clean-up for Evening Program 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
ARTShare Technical Assistance (DVDs, LCDs): 6 pm - Midnight
ARTShare Stage Crew: 6 pm - Midnight
ARTShare Human Easels: throughout ARTShare
On-site volunteers throughout day and evening

SUNDAY

Community Room Set-Up: 8-9 am
On-site volunteers throughout day
Post convention A.R.T.S. market volunteers

From the ARTS Tools:

Service

We give service to the fellowship through holding office and participating in committee work; by setting up chairs and doing cleanup detail. Service expands our commitment to our A.R.T.S. recovery. Putting the common welfare of the fellowship before our own needs helps us maintain a humble spirit and heals us from grandiosity, low self-esteem, isolation and self-indulgence. It teaches us how to work with others, compromise, lead and work through problems. A.R.T.S. could not exist without the service of its members.

2010 Convention Fees

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The A.R.T.S. Annual Convention is a major fundraiser for the A.R.T.S. World Service Organization. WSO maintains a small office in NYC where it creates and distributes literature, employs a part-time staff member, and maintains the A.R.T.S. website and hotline to respond to all A.R.T.S. inquiries.

Your registration fee is a fully tax-deductible contribution to A.R.T.S. Anonymous World Service. By supporting the convention, you contribute to the financial abundance of our program and help us carry our message to all artists seeking support.

REGISTRATION FEES

Full Convention
Convention Newcomer: $50
Early (received by April 30): $80
Regular (received by May 7): $95
At door (and after May 7): $110

Refunds
There are no registration refunds. Please check your individual hotels about their cancellation policies.

GROUP MEALS

Friday Dinner $20
Saturday Dinner $15
Sunday Lunch $20

ARTShare

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ARTShare Update**

This year's ARTShares will be held in a new venue, the Francis Asbury Manor Chapel. Click here for full details.

There are 40 ARTShare slots of 5 minutes each.

The ARTShare slots are filled on a first come, first served basis according to A.R.T.S. weekend registration. In other words, the first 40 registrations received by the A.R.T.S. office are assigned the 40 slots.

ARTShares are opportunities for members to share their art live on stage. They can sing, read, dance, share a powerpoint or video, or present their visual or performance art on stage. Please read the section below for eligibility and performance guidelines.

The ARTShare is the result of months of work behind the scenes by our convention committee and technical crew. We need your cooperation for it to go as smoothly as possible. Therefore, we ask that you read the following guidelines in preparation for the event.

ARTSHARE ASSIGNMENT

1. Limited Number of Spots. There are 40 ARTShare slots, five minutes each. Slots are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis -- based on the date that your registration is received at the A.R.T.S. office -- before the event.

The final, assigned order of performance is based on requested times and technical needs. All visual art shares using projected slides or powerpoint presentations are scheduled after dark in order to be viewable. Shares requiring stage set-up are not scheduled back-to-back to allow sufficient set-up time.

The final order is subject to change at the discretion of the ARTShare staff.

2. Notification. Provided there is ample time after receiving your registration form, your confirmation will be emailed or mailed to you. Included will be your choice of ARTShare or Creative Process Share as space allows. If you will not be doing a Saturday night ARTShare, you may sign up for the Saturday afternoon Creative Process Share at the convention Welcome desk.

Creative Process Shares

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The Creative Process Shares is a chance to share your art in a smaller, more intimate setting than the big Saturday night ARTShare. It is usually scheduled for Saturday morning just before lunch.

You can sign up when you register for the convention or on Friday night at the Welcome Desk.

Creative Process Shares are "unplugged" -- there is not amplification or projection available. Participants are encouraged to use their time to share their process as well as their art.

What To Bring With You

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Comfortable clothing
Your yoga mat
Your musical instruments
Your art to share
Old magazines to contribute to the Vision Mapping workshop
Your imagination

About A.R.T.S.

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Click on the picture for a larger view.

A.R.T.S. Anonymous is a fellowship of artists who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may recover from their common problem and help others to surrender to their creativity.

Click here to visit the main A.R.T.S. Anonymous website.

A.R.T.S. Vision

A.R.T.S. Anonymous envisions a world where each individual’s creativity is cherished as innate, unique and divinely given. Sharing our gifts inspires the best in people and is vital to a world of joy, abundance and love.

A.R.T.S. Mission

Artists Recovering Through the Twelve Steps (A.R.T.S) is a diverse creative community that supports individuals in overcoming challenges blocking their artistic expression. Through weekly meetings, ArtShares, artist-to-artist fellowship, an annual international convention, literature and a 12-Step structure, we establish a safe haven in which to explore, take risks and celebrate the many facets of our creativity.

Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.

A.R.T.S. Closing Prayer

In closing, I would like to say that no matter how distanced we feel from our creative sources, no matter how long it has been since we were in touch with our creative spirit, or how feeble may seem our creative impulses, they are reawakening in our Higher Power's time, through this program and through our actions, no matter how small or how simple, a day at a time. I may not be able to see my own growth , or even to see my creations as beautiful, but I am able to see yours as inspiring and enriching my emotional, spiritual, and physical world. We are not recovering merely to hide our light under a bushel; our creative gifts are a gift. To celebrate them, we humbly apply ourselves, sometimes to the work of art and sometimes to play. May A.R.T.S. ANONYMOUS teach us that our art, celebrated, will benefit and feed our own souls first, and the world's second, for the world hungers as much for this beauty as for food. We meet here together to feed this deeper hunger.

What To Do When You Arrive

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FRIDAY CHECK-IN

Check in at your hotel, then proceed to the A.R.T.S. Welcome desk, located at the Community Room.

The Welcome Desk will be open from 5:00 - 6:30 pm and again from 7:45 - 11:00 pm. You will be able to pick up your schedule, map, and meal tickets. The Make-Your-Own-Name-Tag table will be back, of course!

If you arrive between 6:30 pm and 7:45 pm, and you have reserved the Friday night group meal, you can come directly to the Bath Avenue House. Otherwise join the group at the Community Room at 7:45.

Click on the map to see a larger version, or click here to download a PDF version of the map.

SATURDAY CHECK-IN

Pick up a schedule from any A.R.T.S. hotels, and register with a staff member during the day.

2010 Meetings and Workshops

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The retreat offers a full day of meetings and workshops on Saturday, and a half-day on Sunday. Each time slot offers a choice of up to four different activities that you can attend.

The event schedule can be downloaded here.

MEETINGS

Meetings follow the official ARTS Meeting Format. They begin with the Serenity prayer followed by a qualification and then timed sharing. Each meeting ends with a reading of the A.R.T.S. final prayer and the recitation of the Serenity prayer.

Some of the meeting topics from past conventions include:

Feeling Worthy of a Creative Livelihood
It's Possible to be Self-Supporting as an Artist
11th Step Morning Meditation
Developing Staying Power
The Creative Challenge of Marketing Our Artistic Creations
Our Own Souls First: Celebrating and Re-affirming the Love of our Artistic Expression.
Taking Actions & Living a Big Life
Fear No Stagefright
The Creative Process of Life
Healing Relationships Through the 12 Steps
Let Your Light Shine
Leap and the Net Will Appear
Art and Our Spiritual Awakening
We Hunger for Beauty
Put Your Money Where Your Art Is

WORKSHOPS

Some of the workshop topics from past conventions include:

Vision Mapping and Collage
Finger Painting
Deeper Levels of Freedom Through Sound & Movement
Improv Comedy
Writing
Visual Art
Music
Yoga
Morning Meditation
Step Skits

CREATIVE PROCESS SHARES

This session, held on Saturday afternoon, is an opportunity to share your art in a smaller setting than the Saturday night ARTShare in the Tabernacle.

Newcomers are especially welcome. Time for sharing is determined by group consensus.

2009 MAIL-IN REGISTRATION

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To register by mail (we do not offer on-line registration at this time):

1. Print out a copy of this form for each person registering.

Click here to open a printable PDF version of the form.

2. Fill in the requested information
3. Attach your check, payable to ARTS Convention 2009.
4. Mail to Arts Anonymous, P.O. Box 230175, New York, NY 10023. Please be sure to leave time for your registration to arrive at out Post Office Box before May 10.

Name _______________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________
City, State, Zip _______________________________________

E-mail________________________________________________
Telephone ____________________________________________
Best time to call ______________________________________
A.R.T.S. member since ___________________________________

How did you hear about the convention?
( ) Internet ( ) Brochure ( ) Friend ( ) Other ______________
Permission to publish your phone # or Email on contact list? ( ) Phone ( ) Email ( ) None
Are you available for service? ( ) Yes ( ) No
What would you like to do? _________________________________
Are you planning to sell product after the convention?
( ) Yes ( ) No

Convention Registration
( ) $50 Newcomer
( ) $80 Early received by April 30
( ) $95 Regular received by May 10
( ) $110 at the door or after May 10

Meals
( ) Friday night dinner $19
( ) Saturday night dinner $14
( ) Sunday afternoon lunch $19

7th Tradition
We appreciate any additional support

Total Enclosed $______________________

Sharing Your Art (please choose one)
( ) Saturday Night ARTShare
Preferred slot# (between 1 and 40) _____________

( ) Saturday Afternoon Creative Process Share
An opportunity for sharing your art in a smaller setting. Perfect for newcomers.

Equipment needs (piano, computers, etc.)
__________________________________________
__________________________________________

Carry the Message - Reach Out To Others

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The 12th step asks us to 'carry the message' to other artists. Here are some ways to do that:

1. Send people the link to the A.R.T.S. website: www.artsanonymous.org and the link to the convention website: www.artsconvention.info

2. Print out the convention brochure and distribute to people in your A.R.T.S meeting. Post on bulletin boards where artists and/or 12-Steppers gather.

Click here to open the printable PDF brochure file.

3. Make an announcement, during the 7th Tradition break of your A.R.T.S. meeting, to let people know that the convention is coming up.

4. Tell three friends about the convention -- let them know about the newcomer discount!

Special Information for Meeting Leaders

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Dear meeting and workshop leaders,

Thank you all for giving service at our convention.

The following information will help you in your preparation for the weekend.

Arrival

When you check in at the Welcome Desk on Friday evening, you will be presented with a Meeting Format sheet along with your welcome materials.

If you will be arriving after the Friday evening event, or unable to attend at all, please let us know (using the emergency contact numbers, if necessary), so that we can cover for you.

If you need any A.R.T.S. Literature to help you chair your meeting, we can arrange to lend some pamphlets to you at check in. Please be sure to return pamphlets to the literature table on Sunday.

Friday Night

At some point during the Friday night festivities, you will be asked to stand up, introduce yourself, and give a very brief (two or three sentence) description of your meeting or workshop.

Workshop Leaders

If you are chairing one of the workshops (Visual Artists, Musicians, Actors & Comics Improv, Writers, Vision Mapping & Collage) please keep in mind that these are participatory workshops. Meeting leaders should limit their speaking to about ten minutes or less to give as much time as possible for participation. We encourage you to be creative in formatting your workshop.

The workshops will be one hour and 15 minutes (with exception of Vision Mapping).

Evaluation Forms

Everyone attending the convention will receive an evaluation form with their welcome materials. Please be sure to indicate on your evaluation form the number of people that attended your meeting or workshop.

If you have questions, feel free to speak to a convention staff member during the weekend.

Sincerely,

A.R.T.S. Convention Committee

Ocean Grove Meeting Format

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Open with: Serenity Prayer

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Read: A.R.T.S. Preamble

A.R.T.S. Anonymous is a fellowship of artists who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may recover from their common problem and help others to surrender to their creativity.

The only requirement for membership is a desire to fulfill our creative potential. There are no dues or fees for A.R.T.S. membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. A.R.T.S. is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to express our creative gifts and help others to achieve artistic freedom.

Read: A.R.T.S. Attitudes

1. We follow the time structure of the meeting, restricting our sharing and feedback to limits determined by the group conscience.
2. We do not name-drop. We are not here to impress, compete or compare. We maintain the tradition of anonymity in all our sharing.
3. In speaking and responding to fellow members, we share our experience, strength and hope. We do not judge, criticize or argue.
4. We foster an attitude of unconditional respect for each individual’s creativity.

Read: A Word About Cross Talk & Feedback

To foster a safe place for self-expression, we offer these guidelines.

During our own shares we keep the focus on our art and our own experience. During the shares of others, we listen quietly. We do not interrupt one another or comment on anything anyone else says or does.

We allow positive reference to the speaker’s qualification, provided it is OK with the person qualifying. During ARTShares and Creative Process Shares, we offer positive feedback, provided it is okay with the member sharing.

Qualifier speaks for 10 to 15 minutes

Sharing: 4 minute shares from the floor

Read: ARTS Closing

In closing, I would like to say that no matter how distanced we fell from our creative sources, no matter how long it has been since we were in touch with our creative spirit, or how feeble may seem our creative impulses, they are reawakening in our Higher Power’s time, through this program and through our actions, no matter how small or how simple, a day at a time. I may not be able to see my own growth, or even to see my creations as beautiful, but I am able to see yours as inspiring and enriching my emotional, spiritual and physical world.

We are not recovering merely to hide our light under a bushel; our creative gifts are a gift. To celebrate them, we humbly apply ourselves, sometimes to the work of art and sometimes to play. May A.R.T.S. Anonymous teach us that our art, celebrated, will benefit and feed our own souls first, and the world’s second, for the world hungers as much for this beauty as for food. We meet here together to feed this deeper hunger.

Close with: Serenity Prayer

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Scouting

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Jersey Shore Arts Center Entryway

Jersey Shore Arts Center Lobby

Jersey Shore Arts Center Theatre

Jersey Shore Arts Center Theatre View from Stage

Site Map

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Overview

HOME PAGE - A weekend of insight, fellowship and fun
Fees for Registration and Meals
What To Bring With You
What To Do On Arrival
Volunteers Wanted

Frequently Asked Questions

Who comes to the retreat? Can I come for just one day? ...AND MORE

Meetings and Workshops

Meetings and Workshops
Special Information for Meeting Leaders.

ARTShares and Creative Process Shares

ARTShare planning and performance night guidelines
Creative Process Shares information and guidelines

Meals

Group meals
Ocean Grove restaurants

Overnight Accommodations

ARTS Hotels

About Ocean Grove

The Town of Ocean Grove
Ocean Grove restaurants

Transportation

Air, Train, Bus, and Automobile Directions

About A.R.T.S.

About A.R.T.S.
Main A.R.T.S. Website

Contact Information

Before and after the event