The historic adage “a community of gracious living” which is emblazoned on the seal of the Township speaks of the ideals of Ocean. Graciousness has long been associated with the arts and cultural activities. There is a new resource in town to support this graciousness, the Township of Ocean Cultural Committee and its first project, the Terner House Gallery. The Cultural Committee is a committee of the Township’s Human Services Council in cooperation with other community groups including the Board of Education, Historic Association, and the Friends of the Library.  The mission of the Cultural Committee is to promote cultural events and activities which benefit the township. The Committee will provide opportunity for visual and performing artists to share their talents with the community.

The Cultural Committee is a component of the Healthy Community-Healthy Youth initiative in Ocean which recognizes that the research demonstrates that communities thrive and youth are more likely to be successful and less likely to engage in high risk behaviors when there are opportunities for positive engagement and exposure to cultural activities.

The first project of the Cultural Committee was the establishment of the Terner House Gallery, which is located in the mansion adjacent and connected to the Ocean Township Library.  The rooms, used as reading rooms for the library provide an inviting environment for the display of art work.  In addition, the donation of an artist grand makes the gallery a venue for small instrumental and vocal recitals, as well as other musical programs.