As a part of the nonprofit’s 50th anniversary, Dare Arts is elevating its long-standing events, and that focus was evident as over 1,500 children and adults gathered at Dowdy Park on May 10 for the 36th Annual Artrageous Kids Art Festival presented by PNC Bank. 

In between an outstanding production by Atlantic Dance and Saakumu Dance Troupe’s second performance, Dare Arts Board Member Lisa Brickhouse Davis announced that First Flight High School Senior Mary Williams was selected as the 2025 Artrageous Youth Scholarship recipient. 

Williams will be attending Marymount Manhattan College in N.Y. in the fall to study acting, theatre and music education.

“The thing that inspired me most to pursue the arts in college is the feeling I get when I perform,” said Williams. “Whether I'm singing, acting, or even just presenting on stage, there is a sense of immense joy that washes over me, almost like I am exactly where I'm supposed to be. I've always known that I would pursue the arts. It is a part of me, and when I envision my future life, music and performing are always in it. One of my goals going into college is not only to learn how to become an actor, but to become the most authentic actor I can be, which will grow me as a person and help me be kind, more open-minded, and communicative. This scholarship will allow me to have a once-in-a-lifetime college experience. Getting to go to college in New York City is my greatest achievement so far. I could not be more excited and I am grateful for this scholarship because it pushes me one step closer to achieving my biggest dream.”

The festival included over 20 free art activities for children, live music, dance, roving artists and two special performances by the Saakumu Dance Troupe from Ghana, as well as an artisan market and food vendors. The day’s celebratory spirit was further heightened by the annual announcement of the Artrageous Youth Scholarship recipient.

The Artrageous Kids Art Festival is Dare County’s longest-running kids art program. Each year, proceeds from the event go to the Artrageous Youth Scholarship Fund, which awards a scholarship to a Dare County high school senior intending to study fine art or the performing arts in college. 

“Awarding the Artrageous Youth Scholarship is always a highlight of the year for us,” said Dare Arts Executive Director Jessica Sands. “Watching students who attended Artrageous as kids continue to pursue their love of the arts into college is a full circle moment. Whether we are partnering with Manteo High students through the Power of Art program, inviting First Flight High School jazz band students to perform during First Friday, or hosting “The Business of Art” student symposium at our gallery, supporting local students who are pursuing the arts is very important to us.”

Thank you PNC Bank, The Don and Catharine Bryan Cultural Series and Hotel Manteo for sponsoring the 36th Annual Artrageous Kids Art Festival.

This project is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

This project is sponsored by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.  

For more information, please visit DareArts.org or call (252) 473-5558. 

In 2025, Dare Arts is commemorating its 50th anniversary by celebrating its past, present, and future. Dare Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization dedicated to encouraging the arts in Dare County through advocacy, enrichment and opportunity.