Dare Arts Announces 28th Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show Award Recipients

The Fearing Family

Founded by Mollie A. Fearing & Associates 

Inside Dare Arts Courtroom Gallery on Sunday, May 4, you would have never known that it was a dreary Outer Banks day because an amazing crowd of over 150 people came out to celebrate the opening of the 28th Annual Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show, which features 88 pieces of work by local and regional artists. 

Artist Fay Davis Edwards carefully selected the following award recipients:

Best In Show: Eric Riggs “Agnus” (mixed media serigraph) 

Excellence Awards: Beth Burns “Mermaid’s Necklace” (hand-dyed wool, lycra, monofilament), Lori Goll “Sunset Palette” (pastel), Amy G. Snowden “Honoring Her Heritage” (watercolor), and Lisa LeMair “Blue in the Face” (acrylic, graphite, pen, art, science, memory, hope, despair, joy, activism, feminist rage, paper, Deborah Tannen's “You Just Don't Understand” on cradled gesso board)

Honorable Mentions: Lynne Francis “Storm Track” (acrylic), Bill Marchitelli “Off the Hook” (steel, driftwood), and Olha Fidyk “The Weight of Water” (mixed media)

 “When judging an art show, especially one with such a strong selection of entries, you have to start with a level playing field, looking at elements that are measurable,” said judge Fay Davis Edwards. “Does the artist have a mastery of their medium? Do they understand principles of design? How good is their craftsmanship? Once that is established, you can then look at the content of the work - does it have a narrative, a story to tell? You finally pull in the way it “feels” - what emotion(s) does it elicit, if any? For the Best In Show award, I felt that Eric Riggs’ piece “Agnus” exemplifies each of these qualities with a playfulness that invites a more meaningful and complex dialogue. His use of materials and his solid craftsmanship elevate his work and lend themselves well to this visual story. It is a very strong piece that I was delighted to find in the show.”

Artist Eric Riggs had never entered the Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show until this year and said that he was “so surprised” when he found out that his piece was chosen as the Best In Show.

“This year’s entries in the Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show are some of the strongest I’ve seen over its 28 year history,” added Edwards. “The quality of the work and the varied styles speak well to our artistic community as a whole, and it was a true challenge to select the award winners. I believe Mollie would be so proud to see how this show has evolved, how it continues to draw such excellent entries, and I am honored to play a part in this year’s annual show.”

People's Choice Piece "Fishin’ Frenzy" (watercolor).

At the opening reception, over 100 guests voted for the People’s Choice award, which went to artist Bobby Wiltshire for his piece "Fishin’ Frenzy" (watercolor). 

As a part of the nonprofit’s 50th anniversary celebration, this year’s show also featured a special tribute to Mollie A. Fearing, who was the founding president of Dare Arts. The installation includes artwork and relics from Mollie’s personal collection, photos and portraits of Mollie, and copies of Dare Arts’ original Articles Of Incorporation. 

“My family has hosted the reception every year since 1998, and every year I am more impressed by the quality of artwork in the show,” said Mollie Fearing’s daughter Grizelle Fearing. “This show not only celebrates my mother and her vision for the arts, but also the talented artists in our community. If you are a new artist, it’s a great opportunity for you to enter and get exposure for your art.”

In addition to the display honoring Mollie, Dare Arts Vice President Rebecca Watkins announced two special 50th anniversary awards at the opening reception. 

John Buford and Grizelle Fearing.

Music teacher John Buford was awarded “The Mollie” for continuing to do what Mollie started in 1975 when Dare Arts was founded, which was to bring music to the children of Dare County. 

“My mom was worried that the children were not getting enough exposure to music in the schools, so she gathered a group of concerned citizens at her house and they started the Sea & Sounds Arts Council,” added Fearing. “They went on to bring the symphony to the schools and then The Nutcracker. I can’t think of a more deserving person for this award than John.”

The second award “The Biggest Supporter” was given to Grizelle Fearing for her dedication to the Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show and her unwavering support for Dare Arts.

The show will remain on display in Dare Arts’ Courtroom Gallery through Saturday, May 31. The Gallery is open Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-4pm.

Thank you to Mollie A. Fearing & Associates, the Don & Catharine Bryan Cultural Series, Jane Webster, Lucky 12 Tavern, and Ocean Atlantic Rentals for sponsoring this exhibit.

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.

The views expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Dare Arts’ employees, the organization, or affiliated entities.