Children experimenting with art
Nags Head, April 30, 2024 – The power of imagination and artistry sprout from small beginnings, and this was evidenced at the 35th Annual Artrageous Kids Art Festival held at Dowdy Park.
Presented by PNC Bank, this free, family-friendly event spanned four hours on the sunny morning of May 11, offering a cornucopia of interactive art activities, engaging theatre performances, live music, and much more.
Jim Hansen, PNC regional president for Eastern Carolinas, voiced his excitement for the event, highlighting its role in bringing the arts to life for the region’s youngest citizens. It also served as a platform to bolster local small businesses.
The event showcased an assortment of art activities far from mundane. These included metal stamping, weaving, making mushroom prints, and creating stained glass suncatchers. The glint of enthusiasm in the eyes of the participating children was infectious as they delved into culinary art, collaging with treasures, and painting.
Performances from students at Hatteras Island Community Strings, Mustang Music Outreach Program, Ascencion Music Academy, the Dare2Care OBX Shredders, and Atlantic Dance interspersed the activities, lending rhythm and melody to the creative vibes of the festival.
A special interactive program by Donna Roark’s Shadow Players with Drama Mama invited children to put their theatrical improvisation skills to the test. It was a delightful blend of spontaneity, creativity, and fun that stirred a buzz among the participants.
Over 25 local artisans found an avenue to showcase and sell their work at the festival. Notably, the event featured a Young Artist Village – a dedicated space for students to sell their creations, which spanned from intricate jewelry to detailed paintings and fiber art creations.
Participants and visitors could refuel with a sumptuous array of snacks, cool drinks, and sweet treats offered by local vendors such as Fork‘et Me Not, Island Snowball, Blurred Lines Bakery, and The Lopez Lemonade Stand.
The success of the 35th Annual Artrageous Kids Art Festival would not have been possible without the extensive support from PNC Bank, the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, and the Don & Catharine Bryan Cultural Series. An honorable mention goes to the North Carolina Arts Council for their crucial role in orchestrating this significant event.
As the event concluded, it left behind the artists’ vibrant expressions at Dowdy Park and memories of a day dedicated to creativity and community. The 35th Annual Artrageous Kids Art Festival proclaimed that creativity indeed commences at an early point, reinforcing the importance of events such as these in fostering future generations of artists.