Karen Calastri was named Best in Show at the 63rd annual Boardwalk Art Show held in Ocean City, New Jersey, this summer. The award, presented during the 2026 edition of the long‑running exhibition, acknowledges Calastri’s work as the standout piece among the many entries displayed along the famed boardwalk.
The Boardwalk Art Show has been a fixture of Ocean City’s cultural calendar for more than six decades, drawing artists and visitors from the region to the seaside promenade. The event showcases a broad spectrum of visual media, including painting, sculpture, photography and mixed‑media pieces, all arranged in temporary galleries set up under the boardwalk’s iconic arches. The annual fair is known for its vibrant atmosphere, where tourists and locals alike wander past easels and installations while enjoying the ocean breeze.
Best in Show is the highest honor bestowed by the show’s judging panel, which evaluates each work on criteria such as originality, technical skill and overall impact. The selection of Calastri’s piece reflects the judges’ assessment that her artwork exemplifies the creative excellence the boardwalk event seeks to promote. While the specific medium of the winning work has not been disclosed, the award signals that her creation resonated strongly with the panel and the audience.
Recognition at the Boardwalk Art Show can serve as a catalyst for an artist’s career, offering increased visibility among collectors, gallery owners and fellow creators. Past winners have often reported heightened interest in their portfolios and invitations to exhibit in other venues across the Mid‑Atlantic region. For Calastri, the accolade places her among a distinguished lineage of artists who have been highlighted by the event’s storied history.
The 2026 Boardwalk Art Show continues to reinforce Ocean City’s reputation as a hub for artistic expression on the Atlantic coast. By awarding Best in Show to Karen Calastri, the organizers underscore the show’s ongoing commitment to celebrating outstanding talent and enriching the cultural landscape of the boardwalk community.