Something for Everyone at Dare Arts this Summer

The Dare Arts Gallery in downtown Manteo. Photo courtesy of Casey Robertson.

A seven-foot mosaic dog sculpture, nine kids art classes, six different art exhibitions, multiple live music performances, an open mic night, and art workshops are just a few of the things that Dare Arts has in store for residents and visitors as the nonprofit celebrates 50 years on the Outer Banks this summer. 

Kicking off with June First Friday, Dare Arts has N.C. artist Delayna Robbins’ solo exhibit opening in the Vault Gallery, local artists Olha Fidyk and Francesca Beatrice Marie’s exhibition Resilience opening in the Courtroom Gallery, and live music by Mama’s Black Sheep in The Courtyard from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. followed by a fire performance by Panda Daniels at 8:00 p.m. Dare Arts also has Fifi the French Bulldog, created by Wilson, N.C. artist Elizabeth Laul Healey, making her debut as The Courtyard’s summer installation.

Fifi the French Bulldog, created by Wilson, N.C. artist Elizabeth Laul Healey. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Laul Healey.

“Fifi the Frenchie was made with foam, fiberglass, colored mirror, tile, miscellaneous rocks and gemstones, found objects and love,” said artist Elizabeth Laul Healey. “My family and I are so excited to have Fifi at Dare Arts this summer, and I hope the message on her chest that says “Be Kind” resonates with people. I believe now more than ever people need more positivity in their lives and that goes for animals too! I hope lots of people take their pictures with Fifi and tag Dare Arts!” 

In celebration of nationally recognized Pride Month, the Dare Arts Pride Project will also host a free Open Mic Night at Hi-Vibe Holistics in Kill Devil Hills on Tuesday, June 10 and a staged reading of The Laramie Project at Theatre of Dare’s headquarters in Kitty Hawk on Saturday, June 14. Tickets for the staged reading can be purchased online at TheatreOfDareOBX.com.

For the month of July, Dare Arts’ Vault Gallery will feature ceramics by Richmond, V.A. artist Paul Terrell and the Courtroom Gallery will feature oil paintings by Outer Banks artist Iryna Welch. Both of these exhibits will be on display July 4-26.

Two community collaborations will come to life at Dare Arts in August.  

An acrylic painting by Manteo artist Rebecca Watkins whose exhibit Tight Lines: Fish Tales from the Outer Banks will be on display in the Vault Gallery in August.

Manteo artist Rebecca Watkins’ exhibit Tight Lines: Fish Tales from the Outer Banks, will open in the Vault Gallery on Friday, August 1 and remain on display through August 28. This exhibit along with two fish-themed art classes and a Gallery Mix and Mingle are part of a collaboration with the Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament. 

“We are excited about partnering with Dare Arts to bring fish-themed art events to the Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament in August,” said Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament Director Maddy Hazlett. “This is a fantastic way to celebrate both the sport and the vibrant creativity of our coastal community.” 

Dare Arts is partnering with the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau to bring you In Good Company: Inspirations from The Outer Edge Film Series, a multimedia art exhibition in August. This invitational exhibit will feature the six episodes from Season 1 of The Outer Edge film series. In addition to film, the exhibit will feature photography, pottery, paintings, mixed-media, wood, and literary arts by local and regional artists.

“The Outer Edge series is all about celebrating our local community and the special connections between people and place,” said Lee Nettles, the Executive Director of the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau. “How perfect that we’re able to come together now and collaborate with Dare Arts on the exhibit while celebrating the organization’s 50th and incredible contributions to Outer Banks culture.”

And finally, just in time for the arrival of visitors, Dare Arts has refreshed their directory of local art galleries that carry original artwork. To view the free online directory, visit DareArts.org/gallerydirectory. Dare Arts also has numerous workshops for kids and adults happening this summer. To register for a workshop, visit DareArts.org/workshops.

Save the date for Dare Arts’ 50th Birthday pARTy, which will be held on Thursday, October 23 at the Waterfront Trellis in Manteo. Tickets for this event will go on sale in July. 

For more information on any of these events, exhibits, or workshops, visit DareArts.org or call (252) 473-5558. 

Dare Arts’ exhibition opening receptions are generously sponsored by the Don and Catharine Bryan Cultural Series. 

The Dare Arts Pride Project is sponsored by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.  

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

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.