Manteo Celebrates 50 Years of Creativity with Year-Long Festivities from Dare Arts

Manteo Gears Up for a Year of Creativity as Dare Arts Marks 50 Years!

As we step into the new year, the quaint town of Manteo is buzzing with excitement and anticipation! Why, you ask? Well, Dare Arts, the beloved nonprofit that has been lighting up the art scene in Dare County, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025! That’s right; it’s half a century of crafting, creating, and connecting with the community through events, programs, and showcases that have inspired countless folks over the years.

A Celebration Like No Other

In a heartwarming initiative, Dare Arts plans a year-long celebration themed “Celebrating Our Past, Present, and Future.” Richard Phillips, the President of Dare Arts, shares the vision, stating, “In 2025 we will honor our founders, educate the community on the organization’s rich history, elevate and amplify our longstanding programs and events, curate intriguing exhibitions, and create new art experiences for the community.” Sounds invigorating, doesn’t it?

Kicking Off with the Frank Stick Memorial Art Show

As a prelude to all the festivities, February will bring the highly anticipated 47th Annual Frank Stick Memorial Art Show. This is not just any art show; it’s the longest-running visual arts exhibition in Dare County and pays homage to the legendary artist and conservationist, Frank Stick. The show opens on February 7, 2025 at 6 PM and will be a perfect way to warm up the chilly winter nights with a dose of creativity!

Discover the Rich History at the Retrospective

Alongside the Frank Stick show, Dare Arts will debut a special retrospective exhibit that highlights the organization’s illustrious past titled Fifty Years of Dare Arts, A Retrospective. Vice President Rebecca Watkins reminds us that this exhibit will be an eye-opener as it showcases renowned local icons like Mollie Fearing and Frank Stick himself, as well as significant community events such as Artrageous and Outer Banks Veterans Week.

Watkins adds, “Each panel is filled with photographs and interactive links where visitors might get a chance to see their favorite familiar faces from Dare Arts events over the past fifty years,” and let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to stroll down memory lane?

New Experiences Await!

But that’s not all, dear residents! Dare Arts isn’t just resting on its laurels; they have exciting new art experiences lined up as well. Get ready for the first-ever plein air live painting event, aptly named Fresh from the Outer Banks. Plus, there’s a fantastic Women’s Writing Workshop with none other than North Carolina Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green, taking place on March 22, 2025. This workshop, called What We Keep Keeps Us: Exploring Our Human Museums, promises to be a delightful journey through memories and creativity.

Join the Party!

If all of this sounds appealing, you won’t want to miss out on joining the fun! Registration for the writing workshop is already open for women aged 18 and up. To secure your spot and start your creative journey, hop over to DareArts.org/workshops and get all the details.

Support the Arts with $50 for 50 Years

As part of the milestone celebrations, Dare Arts is launching a $50 for 50 Years campaign to rally support from the local art lovers. The aim is to get 500 art enthusiasts to each chip in $50, helping support special projects and necessary building updates. Interested? Donations can easily be made online at DareArts.org/support, or you can reach out via phone at (252) 473-5558.

So, as we approach this remarkable 50th anniversary, it’s clear Dare Arts is setting the stage not just to honor the past but to illuminate the future of arts on the Outer Banks. Here’s to creativity, community, and the vibrant tapestry of artistry that Dare Arts weaves into the very fabric of Manteo!