April 1, 2026

President's Message

Dear Members

April. Already. This month’s name is derived from the word aperire (“to open”). In serving all of you, I have focused on both short term and long term strategies which intertwine tightly, like a folded flower Sometimes it is difficult to clearly convey how all the elements support each other.  I have focused on the filling of open positions that will be vacated. You will be happy to know we have taken on a new web master, a volunteer skilled in handling spread sheets, several photographers for events and social media content generation. 

    There are three key positions yet to be filled (the President, Gallery Manager, and a Secretary). For that we need your carefully considered recommendations. Successfully unfurling the opportunities ahead requires a thoughtful, diligent, hardworking, and determined team leaders who exemplify and can inspire excellence, and whose goal is to serve our art community. The President needs to possess financial literacy, to keep our working budget and contingency funds separate and healthy.  That person also needs a fundamental understanding of business collaboration. I am certain, as you share your recommendations, we will see a clear consensus. From that grouping, the BOD will vet the individual, and we will present them to the Membership on the Voting Slate in June. We just need those who align with the same purpose we do on behalf of our Members., and the one who is willing.

With appreciation and a big smile,

Cheryl Ehlers

Up Coming Events, Deadlines and More . . . At A Glance

• May Show - "Spring In Motion", April 20 - June 1, Entries Open Now Here

• Voting is open for Best of North County. Vote Here daily through April 10.

• APRIL 1 Gallery goes back to weekend hours 9-8pm.

• April 1, 2026 Take-In for the Minis (details below)

• April 1 @ 8AM Applications open for Baffles for Jun 26 – Jul 31 period. Click Here. 

• April 1 Applications open for 75th Annual Fine Art Open Award Show. Here

• April 1, 2026, Art Share: 5pm-6:30pm. Contact Scott

• April 8, 2026, Inside Look: 5pm-6pm, Contact Cheryl

• April 12, 2026 Carlsbad 500 Race - full info Click Here & race map, Click Here

• Apr 15 - Apr 18 - Gallery closed for repairs. There will be no access to the Gallery

• April 15 - April 18 - Little Fest Open Air Gallery Art Pop-Up in front of Gallery. Sign-up below to sell your art in front of the Gallery and host kiddie activities.

• April 19 - Baffle Installation 11 am – 5 pm only

• April 20, 2026 - May Show: Spring In Motion, Show Runs Apr 20- June 1; Take-In 9:30am-1pm; Art Removal June 1

Gallery Manager, Gertrude Lewis - @ the Gallery

A few things for all members to remember:

Hosting Dates

We understand that many of you are having to choose hosting dates well in advance of the shows and expressing issues with that. We cannot control the days in a month, and we have to work with what we can, so not everyone is going to be pleased, but at the very least you can actually choose your suitable Hosting dates well in advance. So take advantage of the opportunity to schedule ahead. We are maintaining our Gallery in top performance and appreciate each host and we need you. And out of respect for our Calendar Chair, please respond to her emails, she does her best to get you the dates you request. This is how we maintain the standard of the hosts at the gallery and the Calendar. The Gallery goes back to weekend hours 9-8pm on April 1 so we will be ok with the overage. Thank you.

Gallery Hours

April 1 - The Gallery goes back to weekend hours 9am-8pm.

The Gallery is no longer open to artists after hours without the express permission from Gertrude. Please notify her of your request. We need to monitor our security. Thank you.

Attention all Hosts; You all will be contacted via email regarding procedures, issues and instructions for hosting the gallery, monthly. Please make certain you read, print and keep the email for future reference Thank you.

Hosts, please remember, if you are the last shift, bring in our signs and lock the front door.

Hosts, when you are hosting the gallery, make sure to take a look at all the art! Pick your favorite and text a photo of it to Michelle Montrose from our Social Media Team at 619-865-5728.

Attention - Art on the Green Vendors

Please remember, while your surroundings are more casual, you are representing our gallery and are held to the same standards of professionalism as our gallery staff. In addition, we have special rules for AOG vendors to assure that those standards are maintained. Those who choose not to follow the AOG vendor rules can lose their privileges.

Welcome New Members -

Christina Carter Haskins, Acrylic; Jen Powell, Acrylic; Donald Dietz, Sculpture;

Ed Urgiles, Acrylic

HAPPENING IN April 2026

ANNUAL MEMBERS AWARDS SHOW - Runs Now thru April 14 (45 day show)



Art Removal: April 14. (Remember your art cannot be stored)

We've been nominated as The Best of North County. Get ready now to vote. Voting is open now Vote Here through April 10. Remember to vote everyday! Go to "Things To Do" and select "Art Gallery".

“EGG-Stravaganza Fundraiser for the INSPIRE” Youth Art Program



At the Gallery and at the March “Panache Art Auction" at the Escondido Art Partnership Gallery. Win the opportunity to get a gift certificate to select another one of the eggs at the NCAG Gallery too!!





Art Share with host Scott Bruckner, April 1, 2026, 5pm-6:30pm - Join now for a monthly Art Share at COAL. On the first Wed of each month, an event where you will share your work, ideas and creative energy, and get to know fellow members of the gallery. 

Whether you are just starting out and looking for comments on your work, or you have years of experience, this is a way to connect with others in a very relaxed and supportive environment. You will find it inspiring and uplifting, I know I do. 

No judging. No competition. Just creativity, community, and connection. Contact Scott to let us know you will be there.

Inside Look with host, Cheryl Ehlers, April 8, 2026, 5-6pm. Come meet and talk to our featured Monthly Artist.

INSIDE LOOK SEEKS MONTHLY SHOW ARTISTS 

 We offer Members:

• NCAG Website presentation (Home page and Event sections)
• Social Media presentation
• Coast News Calendaring
• Local Event Calendaring
• Community Calendaring

Signup today to, share about yourself, your art journey, and your inspiration. Introduce yourself to members and the public. Sign up here now.

Contact Cheryl.

Artists, do you have a Facebook or Instagram page? Please provide your info here.

CALL FOR MINIS - BRING MANY MINI’S

Wanted! 3x3, 4x4 or 5x5 in all media. Include an easel or frame which sells with the piece, Gallery takes 20% commission. First take in is April 1st.

Bring 4 - place each one, including the easel in a separate bubble wrap pouch. Click below for more info. No hosting required.

Click Here for details

Questions - Julie Brooks

Reserve your seat here

Selling art is not about pressure — it’s about connection, storytelling, and service.

This interactive member workshop with artist - buyer demonstrations will help artists:

• Feel confident engaging with visitors

• Share the story behind their work naturally

• Recognize buying signals

• Guide conversations toward a sale with authenticity

• Process sales professionally using Zettle

Through discussion, practical tools, and live role-play demonstrations, participants will gain clarity on how art truly sells — and how to turn meaningful conversations into lasting collector relationships.

Best wishes to Judy Richardson for a speedy recovery. We miss you. Come back soon!

Little Fest - Art Gallery Pop Up!

The Gallery might be closed but no problem . . . you can still sell your art - in front of the Gallery, April 15th thru April 18th.

We have 7 table slots open for your sales opportunity outside of the gallery for Members. Sign up today below, it is approaching soon and we want to be organized to maximize the gallery downtime and let you still come sell your artwork and originals works. SO come on and join us!

The Gallery takes 20%, price accordingly. We will handle the sales for you. You just provide us with your receipts and send them to Cheryl. Thank you, Julie Brooks for putting this together for the Members to take advantage of..



Just pick a date(s) (Apr 15-18) & time.

Sign up here. Many special free activities for the whole family each day. Gallery provides cashier; Gallery takes 20% commission. It is a great way to help during the April closure.

For more info Click Here

Questions Julie Brooks.



May Show - Spring In Motion

April 20 - June 1 (42 day exhibit)

Entries are open here

Judge:: Lucas Smith

Take-in: April 20, 9:30am - 1pm

Art Removal: June 1



May 7, 2026 – 1:30pm, DEMO – Sculpture with Dana McCullough, Sculptor & Instructor @ the Lieu de Sculpture studio in Carlsbad, (next to the gallery).

Seating is limited Sign Up Here

Visit Dana

Judge: Richard Hawk



Applications Open: APR 1, 2026 noon HERE. 



Deadline to apply: JUL 15th @ NOON. 

Acceptance Notice: By JULY 25 @ noon, 

Art Take-In Date:  AUG 2, 9:30AM – 1PM. 

Art Removal Date: SEPT 5, 2026, 9:30AM – 1PM

We are seeking one other individual to join Rose Rezaei during the Carlsbad Street Faire on Sunday, May 3 to represent the Carlsbad Oceanside Art League/NCAG and its programs at the CB Faire.

NCAG will provide:

• The Tent setup and take down
• table/chairs setup and take down
• You can borrow our grids to handle your artwork
• You need to pass out and represent the Gallery as well with information we provide
• We do not charge you to join the street fair
• You need to be responsible for all your own setup/takedown of items and artwork, and payment of sales, or you can direct them into the gallery to make the sales for you. @ 20% commission.
• You need to be there at 6am to get a parking space, and remain during the entire fair until 5pm. They sometimes might break down at 4pm. They let you know when.
• You will be sharing the booth with another artist, so you need to coordinate your setup. I will provide the information if you are interested so you two can communicate.
• If we do not use the space we "lose" it forever, it is a sponsored space right at the top of the stair entrance down into the gallery.  
• Email Cheryl if interested, no later than April 7. Thanks everyone!

February Awards

Who Oversees What - Who To Call for Help

Director of Programs, Julie Brooks, click to contact Julie

• Demo & Expression Programs
• Art on the Green

Director of Membership - Scott Bruckner, click to contact Scott

• 2026 Membership Drive/Renewal

Baffles Coordinator, Charcee Colosia, click to contact Charcee

April 1 @ 8AM Applications open for Baffles for Jun 26 – Jul 31 period. Apply Here

Demo Coordinator, Sharon Commins. Be sure to welcome her when you see her at the Jan 8 Demo. Click to contact Sharon

Jewelry and Sculpture Space Rentals - Gallery Manager, Gertrude Lewis,

See tabs 8 & 9 on Members Info Page Questions - contact Gertrude

2026 Membership Drive and Renewals.

Art on the Green - Open to All Artists and Art Organizations

Do you know of any who want to use selling space? Send them our way.

Join us each weekend "on the green".

Easy signup Here. Questions, please contact Julie Brooks

Demo and Expression get details here.

Questions, please contact Sharon Commins

Open now and accepting applications here.

COAL Artists Julie Brooks, Ira Cosmos, Elena Miller, Joan Hansen will be featured in Let's Go Wild". A collective of San Diego regional artists announces, “Let’s Go Wild!”, an immersive wildlife‑inspired art exhibition created and organized by the exhibiting artists. This lively, interactive event invites visitors to experience wildlife art in surprising, playful, and engaging ways through hands‑on activities, creative workshops, educational programs, and imaginative encounters that spark curiosity and joy. The exhibition showcases fierce, funny, and unforgettable wildlife through painting, sculpture, and photography—art that leaps off the walls and into the imagination.

Exhibition & Events

• Exhibition Dates: April 11 – May 1

• Opening Reception (Wild Animal Costume Party): April 11, 3–5 pm 

Artists will appear in animal‑inspired costumes, and guests are encouraged to join in—whether in full costumes or with simple animal‑themed accessories. Complimentary masks and headbands will be provided. “Best Wild Look” contest winners will receive art prizes, and giveaways.

• Closing Reception “Finissage”: May 1, 3–5 pm

Congratulations, Scott Brucker, he has been selected for February’s OMA Artist Alliance Quarterly Critique Spotlight. Scott also has 3 exhibits in April. His piece, "Tarus" is shown above.

Sustainable Creations, Fallbrook Art Center, Fallbrook, CA 

In Situ: La Jolla, Unscripted Spaces Showroom, La Jolla, CA 

Mix it Up, Ashton Gallery, San Diego, CA .

Do you have news of you're upcoming exhibits, awards, etc. you'd like in Brushmark? Please send all the details in a format ready to be published along with any photos to Cindy. It will be published in the next Brushmark that comes out 2 weeks after receipt of your submission.

We Love Our Volunteers

Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers! We couldn't run the Gallery without you. Each month, we will highlight many of our volunteers and introduce them and their jobs. You may not always see them - they might be in the back room, behind a desk or at a computer. But everyone of you are critical to our operations. Thank you all!!!

Welcome and thank to our newest members of our Social Media team. Michelle Montrose is doing posts. For extra added fun, Michelle also does live portrait demonstrations in costumes at local Renaissance fairs. Michele Gorcey and Ira Cosmos are doing reels. Katinka Clementsmith is the word smith and Julie Brooks is backup.

When you are hosting the gallery, make sure to take a look at all the art! Pick your favorite and text a photo of it to Michelle Montrose at 619-865-5728.

Welcome and thank to Jen Powell, our new web master.

Open volunteer positions - we need you! Jobs Coordinator, Publicity Chair, Publicity assistants

Contact Cheryl if you can help.

Did We Miss Something?

Please check the website. All information is listed on our website under Members Info here.

• Get your Parking squared away & view the Hosting Calendar: Easy to find along with the revised Substitute Host Lists and all the Gallery Information.

To contact the Brushmark Editor, email Cindy Fatica

Gallery Hours

11-5pm Daily - January - March 31, 2026

Extended Hours beginning April 1, 2026