Metalsmithing students from COA work with children to create stamped copper pendants during the 2016 Artrageous festival. (Dare Arts Council)
Dare County Arts Council has announced a wide variety of events happening from Duck to Hatteras Village this year, ranging from children’s art to surf films to a masquerade ball.
“At DCAC, we strive to have something for art lovers of every age and interest,” said Fay Davis Edwards, programs director for Dare County Arts Council. “We are excited about the fantastic line-up of activities and events we have for our community this year.”
Here’s what’s coming up:
February 11-April 28 — Fourth annual Outer Banks Forum Playbill Exhibit
This exhibit, presented by the Outer Banks Forum for the Lively Arts and Dare County Arts Council, will be on display at Duck Town Hall. The theme of the exhibit is Spotlight On Performing Arts, which will reflect many facets of the performing arts, including musicians, singers, musical instruments and scores.
April 30-May 30 — 20th Annual Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show
The opening reception for this annual art show will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 30, at the Dare County Arts Council Gallery in downtown Manteo. The show will remain on display through Tuesday, May 30. The annual show is held in memory of Mollie A. Fearing, one of the founders of the Dare County Arts Council, and features an eclectic mix of artwork.
May 13 – 28th — Annual Artrageous Kid’s Festival
DCAC is partnering with the Town of Nags Head on the grand opening of Dowdy Park in Nags Head, which will be held from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Saturday, May 13. The free, family-friendly art festival will be held from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., followed by an outdoor concert. Artrageous is an annual community event that brings families together to paint, sculpt, dance and be creative.
June 19-23 — Fifth annual Rock the Cape Festival
Rock the Cape is an annual arts event on Hatteras Island, which features a full slate of artistic activities from Rodanthe to Hatteras Village, including an art show on the grounds of Hatteras Realty and an oceanfront concert at Koru Village’s Beach Klub in Avon.
August 16-17 — 39th annual New World Festival of the Arts
The New World Festival of the Arts returns to the Manteo waterfront from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 16 and 17. The free outdoor festival brings 100 artists from all over the East Coast to showcase their fine art, including painting, photography, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, wood design, and leather works. Artists wishing to participate in New World Festival of the Arts can find an application at Dare Arts. The application deadline is Friday, March 31. The festival was originally started by Manteo business owner Edward Greene, and is sponsored by the Town of Manteo.
September 21-23 — Sixth annual Surfalorus Film Festival
This free, family-friendly event will feature international, regional and local surf film screenings at various venues on the Outer Banks. Screening locations and times will be released at a later date. Other aquatic activities will also take place during Surfalorus, including a surf art and surf photography exhibit at the Dare County Arts Council Gallery in downtown Manteo.
Oct. 28 — Black Opal Masquerade Ball
Mark your calendar for Dare County Arts Council’s Black Opal Masquerade Ball on Saturday, Oct. 28 at Pirate’s Cove Pavilion in Manteo. The biggest social art event of the year will feature delicious cuisine, live music, breathtaking décor and a silent auction. The Black Opal Masquerade Ball is Dare County Arts Council’s annual fundraiser, which honors the generations of artists who came before us and sets the course for the next era of creativity in the vibrant arts community of Dare County.
November 4-5 — Veterans Writing Workshop
The 2017 Outer Banks Veterans Writing Project will be held at UNC Coastal Studies Institute on Roanoke Island. Returning to the Outer Banks for its fifth consecutive year, the free two-day writing workshop will be taught by veterans for veterans and active duty servicemembers. The Outer Banks Veterans Writing Project is sponsored by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau during Outer Banks Veterans Week, Nov. 3-12.
First Friday in Downtown Manteo
First Friday is a fun-filled, family-oriented street festival held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. the first Friday of each month from April through November in Historic Downtown Manteo. The sidewalks pulse with live music, food, magic, artisans, and more. Each First Friday, Dare County Arts Council opens a new art exhibit, which is kept on display for the entire month.
Workshops at Dare County Arts Council
Throughout the year, Dare County Arts Council offers a variety of workshops, classes and learning opportunities for children and adults. Visit Dare Arts for a list of upcoming workshops. All workshops require preregistration and prepayment.
Dare County Arts Council programs are supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
For more information about upcoming Dare County Arts Council events or to become an event sponsor, call (252) 473 5558 or visit Dare Arts, Dare County Arts Council’s new website, which highlights these programs and events.