The Great Art Heist Returns To Dare Arts In October

Presented by TowneBank

Dare Arts’ benefit art auction, The Great Art Heist, will open at its Gallery in downtown Manteo on Friday, October 2 at 6:00pm.

The opening reception will include libations, hors d'oeuvres, and live piano music by Fleck. The reception is in conjunction with Manteo’s First Friday festivities and is free and open to everyone.

“I am so thrilled to be back working on Dare Arts’ one and only fundraiser,” said Dare Arts Gallery Manager Louise Sanderlin. “Seeing the fundraiser evolve into an auction that is focused solely on the arts is a dream. We were only able to achieve that thanks to the artists who contribute the most beautifully crafted, one-of-a-kind, quality works year after year. They are the reason we are able to surpass the previous year's goals - a thanks that we are truly unable to express in words.”  

The Great Art Heist is a silent art auction, featuring the work of local and regional artists, that guests can bid on in person and on Dare Arts’ website.  

Artists willing to donate a piece of artwork or a performing arts experience to The Great Art Heist can email Dare Arts Gallery Manager Louise Sanderlin at DareArtsGallery@gmail.com to coordinate details. Your support is deeply appreciated. 

L-R: Dare Arts secretary Macey Chovaz, Dare Arts board member and TowneBank Commercial Banking Officer Landon Price, Dare Arts Executive Director Jessica Sands, Dare Arts president Rebecca Watkins, Dare Arts board member Abbie Flaherty, Dare Arts board member Richard Phillips, and TowneBank Northeastern North Carolina president Jeff Robertson. Photo courtesy of Tatum Clements. 

 TowneBank has served as the presenting sponsor of The Great Art Heist since its inception.  

“TowneBank is proud to support Dare Arts and its mission to enrich our community,” said Jeff Robertson, TowneBank Northeastern North Carolina president. “We believe the arts play a vital role in strengthening the quality of life in Dare County, and we are committed to helping ensure these programs continue to inspire and connect people of all ages.”

The Great Art Heist will be open for bidding in person at the Dare Arts Gallery and online from October 2 through October 23.

Final bids must be in by 7:00pm on Friday, October 23.

Businesses interested in sponsoring The Great Art Heist should contact Dare Arts Executive Director Jessica Sands at DareArtsInfo@gmail.com.

For more information about the event, please visit DareArts.org/artauction or call (252) 473-5558. 

Dare Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization dedicated to encouraging the arts in Dare County through advocacy, enrichment and opportunity.