A.R.T.S. Anonymous Convention

Annual Creativity Weekend in Ocean Grove, NJ

Once a year in Ocean Grove, New Jersey, which is just an hour’s drive from New York City, the A.R.T.S. fellowship holds a wonderful weekend event right beside the ocean. Ocean Grove is a charming little town, full of Victorian Hotels, beach homes, and small flower gardens. A.R.T.S. members come from all across the United States and occasionally from Canada and Europe.

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 and share our art, our recovery, and our experience, strength and hope. Here newcomers and old timers get to know each other in a celebration of their artistic gifts.

• Festivities begin on Friday night with a keynote speaker who tells his or her before-and-after recovery story. The keynote speech is then followed by open sharing.
• On Saturday there is a day-long program of meetings and workshops—four at a time and usually lasting about 45 minutes. Members have the opportunity to choose from a broad variety of meetings centering on topics relating to 12 STEP recovery, expressing one’s creativity, and sharing the experience of developing as an artist. With vision and encouragement, motivation and inspiration, members move past their limitations to realize their full creative potential for the year ahead!
• Late Saturday afternoon is a time for shopping, a walk on the boardwalk that runs alongside the ocean, meditation, sitting on a hotel porch and socializing, or whatever else one chooses to do.
• Saturday night is a four hour program of ARTShares of five minutes each from 40 artists and it is an awesome and inspiring display of talent!
• Sunday morning is devoted to hilarious improvisational skits and closing ceremonies that end with a round of gratitude.

Where to Stay in Ocean Grove – Hotel Info

The Bath Avenue House 732-775-5833
The entire Inn is being held for A.R.T.S. members. Prices are $65-$110 per night for rooms with shared baths. Breakfast is available at $7 per person with advance notice. Breakfasts are also available for non-guests.
www.bathavehouse.com

Bellevue Stratford Inn 732-775-2424
Rooms with private or shared baths are available at $85 - $125 per night. Breakfast is included.
www.bellevuestratford.com

The Lillagaard 732-988-1216
Rooms available at $65-$110 per night. Full breakfast is included.
www.lillagaard.com

The Melrose 732-774-5404
Rooms available for $80 - $165; all have private bath and full breakfast is included. Pets welcome with approval, number of pet rooms limited.
www.melroseog.com

The Quaker Inn 732-775-7525
Rooms available at $60 and up (singles) and $75 - $90 (doubles).
www.quakerinn.com