Outer Banks Art Village - Plans

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been following the activity of an Outer Banks Facebook page  that is making a great effort to accomplish a bold, yet amazingly cool goal.

The goal is to create an “Outer Banks Art Village” – a location where OBX artists of all levels of experience and expertise can come together to share and sell their work, create masterpieces, or just enjoy the laid back vibe of an artist run establishment.

Outer Banks Art Village

Seems like a fabulous idea, right?! Take a peek at the pictures I included. Great plans. Such a perfect spot for some awesome OBX art!

As with most great ideas, it takes a lot of effort to make it a reality, and the Outer Banks Art Village is on an uphill battle right now. And they need all the help they can get to create this awesomeness.

I’ve been talking with the brains, muscle, and energy behind the project, Lorri Chambers, and she has been gracious enough to share her thoughts with us.

So, I’ll turn it over to Lorri, and please if you have any opportunity to help, Lorrie would love to hear from you. Take it away Lorri…

The Art Village located on the Old Weeping Radish site in Manteo, NC on Hwy 64.

The charm of this property and the adjoining Christmas Shop and Island Gallery has for years made this a wonderful place to shop and a draw for tourists and locals alike. We would like to bring that charm back and once again make Manteo a destination opportunity. Here’s our plan to make that happen…

We want to use the buildings that are there, and in the large building (8000 sq ft) we will build Working Artists studios. Galleries selling only local artists’ work, classroom space for anyone to take classes and a small restaurant.

The Annex building consisting of four colorful rooms would either house a local childrens museum or more Galleries and studios. The Gingerbread house would be home to Ocean Beads Gallery and the Art of the Child Gallery which will specialize in selling local children’s artwork ages 2 to 17 to perpetuate new artists.

The large common areas with 2 small ponds will be restored, landscaped and a Gypsy wagon stage added for children’s and puppet theater performances.  We are also hoping to get the original remote control boats restored. Throughout the area will be creative opportunities for all who visit.  Easels with markers and paper, local artists set up selling their wares, and maybe a chance to make a pinch pot or paint a fish.

Each week a different theme will take place one week, Queen E, another Fish…imagine lighted jellyfish hanging from trees, fairies and pirates oh my.  Always changing and always fun.

Costumed vendors (depending on which theme week we are on) will be walking around and selling local artists goods and pastries.

We want The Art Village to be a place where families can come to take a break and make memories…just relax, have a picnic, watch the local artists create, go to the bead store and make a special gift or two ….and more. There will be a bandstand for spur of the moment concerts and some of our very talented local musicians to drop in and perform.

Families need a place to be a family and our Local Artists need a place to show and sell their work …all of this can be combined in this beautiful setting next to the Christmas Shop and Island Gallery an Outer Banks legacy for over 35 years.

What do we need to make all this happen?…local artists to make a commitment for 1 year to sell their work there, that is all. And for the very reasonable monthly fee you get working studio space, gallery space, classrooms an online presence through on online store as well as online marketing to galleries all over the US.

If you would like to be one of our Very Important Founding Artists call 252 256-3034 or email me at Fairygodmother58@gmail.com,  but do it today; this opportunity of a lifetime is slipping away…

Thanks Lorri. The plans sound amazing. I can’t wait to bring the kiddos over there to enjoy the OBX art spectacle. If you can help, please reach out to Lorri. This would be an amazing addition to the Outer Banks art scene.

In addition to hunting “Toys from God,” Jordan is into all sorts of art these days, and here is one of his recent snapshots – the famed “Lighthouse.”

Awesome.

Jordan's Lens: The Lighthouse

Outer Banks art, Carolina Coto

The Outer Banks has soooo many amazing qualities. The majority of people are drawn to the OBX for the mile after mile of gorgeous beaches. And don’t get me wrong, the beaches are world-class…and empty the majority of the year. But there is much more to the Outer Banks than waves, sand, and sun.

Nature, history, culinary delights. But my favorite could be the fantastic local art scene. There are a huge amount of talented artists on the Outer Banks, and on Thursday, November 3, we have the chance to be introduced to another brilliant member of the OBX art scene.

Mom’s Sweet Shop (coolest name for a skate shop ever, right?) is hosting the premier of local OBX artist Carolina Coto.

Mom’s Sweet Shop is throwing a sweet shindig to celebrate Ms. Coto’s debut, and it should be a rockin’ time with good food, good drinks, great people, and amazing art.

Outer Banks: July 2011 Events at Roanoke Island Festival Park

July, 2011 Programs. . .

The cost of general admission ticket to the daily attraction, Roanoke Island Fesitval Park, is $8 for adults/$5 students 6 – 17/children 5 and under – free. Open daily 9 am to 5 pm.

• Travel & Underwater Photography
  Chris Hannant
  July 1-28
  Art Gallery
  A Savannah College of Art & Design graduate and Outer Banks resident, Hannant’s passion is underwater photography. His images reveal a secret life unfolding under the surface. Meet the Artist – First Friday, July 1, 6-8 pm. 9 – 5 Mon-Fri/10 – 4 Sat. FREE. Also, Chris Hannant Digital Photography Class July 9, 9 – noon. $20. Call Mary Ellen for info and to register (252) 475-1500.

• July 4th Celebration
  Featuring the North Carolina National
  Guard’s 440th US Army Band
  8 pm, Outdoor Pavilion
  The 440th Army Band command the stage. Selections include: America the Beautiful; Star Spangled Banner; Hail to the Spirit of Liberty; God Bless the USA and more. Plus, the rock band, “The Minutemen” and jazz band, “The Jazz Patriots” perform. Fireworks by the Town of Manteo at 9:30 pm. Lawn chairs & picnics encouraged. Gates open at 6. FREE.

• NC Symphony
  July 8, 8 pm
  Outdoor Pavilion
  Avast ye scurvy wrecks! We run up the colors for a musical salute to PIRATES. Selections from Pirates of the Caribbean, The Flying Dutchman, Pirates of Penzance, Bloody Blackbeard and more. Conductor William Henry Curry, along with Laurelyn Dossett, Molly McGinn and Scott McLeod. Event presented by the Dare County Tourism Board and the Roanoke Island Commission. Lawn chairs & picnics encouraged. FREE.

• 2nd Saturdays
  Chris Hannant Lecture Underwater
  Photography
  July 9, 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm
  Art Gallery
  Chris Hannant is a photojournalist drawn to the ocean. He shares tips on shooting underwater through personal anecdotes and a video of his work. FREE.

• The Diary of Adam & Eve
  Elizabeth R and Company
  July 18, & 19, 2 pm;July 25 & 26, 2 pm
  August 1 & 2, 2 pm – Indoor Theatre
  Based on Mark Twain short story. A comical twist on the original story with Twain’s interpretation of married couples. The Diary of Adam and Eve is a delightful musical one-hour show for family audiences. The price of admission is included in the general admission ticket to the Park.

Outer Banks: June 2011 Events at Roanoke Island Festival Park

June, 2011 Programs…

 Photojournalism of Chris Bickford
June 3 – 28
Reception: Sunday, June 5, 2-4 pm
Art Gallery
The inner stories of eclectic topics including the BP oil spill serve as a testament to Bickford’s sensitivity to people & place. His images have appeared nationally. 9 am – 5 pm. Mon-Fri., Saturdays- 10 am – 4 pm. FREE.

RIFP Performance Series
NC Dance Theatre
June 10 & 11, 8 pm
Outdoor Pavilion (Bring a lawn chair & picnic.)
Four ballets are presented: Salvatore Aiello’s Satto (Wind Dance), Sasha Janes’ Kinetic Energy, Jacqulyn Buglisi’s Requiem 9.11 & Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux’s Shindig. FREE.

2nd Saturdays
Carol Trotman Watercolor Techniques
June 11, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Art Gallery
Artist Carol Trotman teaches a free watercolor techniques class. Participants are asked to bring supplies. Call Mary Ellen Riddle (252)475-1500. FREE.

RIFP Performance Series
NC A&T University
Cinderella – Children’s Show
June 14, 15, & 16, 10:30 am
Indoor Theatre
The classic folk tale, Cinderella, is brought to life by a group of talented young performers from NC A&T University. A wonderful production for all children. FREE

RIFP Performance Series
NC A&T University
Broadway Unleashed
June 14, 15, & 16, 8 pm
Outdoor Pavilion (Bring a lawn chair & picnic.)
Performing some of Broadway’s Best, this energetic group of nationally award winning performers will have you singing and dancing in the aisles. Gospel, jazz, blues & show tunes. FREE.

The cost of a general admission ticket is $8/adults; $5/students 6 – 17; children 5 and under free, or join Friends of Elizabeth II and receive free admission!

Outer Banks KidsFest 2011

The 4th annual Outer Banks KidsFest is planned for Friday, May 13, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the outdoor pavilion at Roanoke Island Festival park.

This great event is sponsored by Children and Youth Partnership and is free and open to the public.

Activities include:

• Wildlife Olympics
• Tracks in the sand
• Art and Playdough
• Face painting
• Games and crafts
• Story time
• Puppet play
• Blocks and bubbles
• Seed planting
• Fishing activities
• Corn hole
• Imagination Library
• Fire trucks, EMS, Coast Guard boat and Coastie.

In addition, Western Carolina University gamelan players will feature examples of traditional Javanese music and contemporary pieces written for gamelan by American composers. The children will be invited to come to the stage to try out the gamelan instruments.

For more information contact www.darekids.org or 252-441-4737.

Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show
May 1-31, 2011
Reception: May 1/ 2-4 p.m.
Art Gallery
The 14th annual Mollie Fearing memorial Art Show will open on Sunday, May 1st, with a
reception from 2- 4 p.m. in the Art Gallery which will feature live music and light fare.  The
annual exhibit features and eclectic mix of local art and will hang until May 31. It is free
and open to the public. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon-Fri and Saturdays-10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The annual event is sponsored by the Dare County Arts council and was created to honor
the show’s namesake, Mollie Fearing, who was a prominent figure in the Manteo
community. Fearing helped form the Sea and Sounds Arts Council that evolved into the
current Dare County Arts Council. Today, the non-profit plays a leading role in the
community.

March of Dimes for Babies Walk
May 7 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Outdoor Pavilion
This is the annual walk and takes participants through the Town of Manteo. For more
information contact: JMoseley@marchofdimes.com (757) 361-0000 Ext 4

Kidfest
May 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Outdoor Pavilion
The event is sponsored by Children and Youth Partnership and is free and open to the public.  Activities include: wildlife Olympics; tracks in the Sand; art and playdough; face painting; games and crafts; story time; puppet play; blocks and bubbles; seed planting; fishing activities; corn hole; Imagination Library; Fire Trucks; EMS; U.S. Coast Guard boat and Coastie. Western Carolina University Gamelan players will feature examples of traditional Javanese music and contemporary pieces written for gamelan by American composers. The children will be invited to come to the stage to try out the gamelan instruments. For more information contact darekids.org or (252) 441-4737

RIFP Performance Series
Western Carolina University
Gamelan
May 14 at 2 and 7 p.m.
Indoor Theatre
Two Central Javanese gamelan concerts will be held in the Indoor Theatre at Roanoke Island Festival Park on Saturday, May 14 at 2 and 7 p.m. Both shows will feature examples of traditional Javanese music and contemporary pieces written for gamelan by American composers. Many find the gentle repeating cycles of the Central Javanese style of music to be restful and contemplative. The 2 p.m. show will be geared toward a younger audience. Both performances are free and open to the public.(252) 475-1500 roanokeisland.com

 RIFP Performance Series
UNC Pembroke
Godspell
May 21 at 2 and 7 p.m.
Indoor Theatre.
Godspell is a series of biblical parables and teachings, mostly from the book of Matthew, woven around more than a dozen songs composed by Stephen Schwartz (Pippin, Working and Wicked). The cast consist of 12 talented students from the University of North Carolina Pembroke- Musical Theatre/University Theatre Programs. The performances are free and open to the public. (252) 465-1500 roanokeisland.com

Outer Banks: Art Surf Support

A few short months ago one extremely dedicated member of the Outer Banks Surfrider Foundation was diagnosed with breast cancer. Susan and her husband Scott have always graciously given their time and talent and now they need our help.

The OBX Surfrider is hosting a benefit for the Lawrence Family on May 15th from 2-6pm at the Outer Banks Brewing Station. The benefit will be held in the back yard featuring the band, Rubber Pants.

The event is family friendly and will include a silent art auction, cornhole tournament and surf/skate yard sale.

To donate ART to the auction – please contact Kathleen Wasniewski at kathleen@outerbankschild.com.

Katy Caroline - Close Up Passionvine

Ready for some more local flavor? I hope so. We’re back with the second episode in our brand new video series, Outer Banks Treasures. There are so many great things to discover on the OBX that it’s very easy to have a long list of great ideas!…stay tuned, more on the way.

Last time we gave you a sneak peek at one of the best photographers here on the OBX in her private Seaside Vacations employee shoot. Today we are going to continue in the creative direction with an amazing up and coming artist named Katy Caroline. Katy’s career is just taking off, but what she lacks in experience, she more than makes up for in breathtaking natural ability with a paint brush in hand. She has done many commissioned works from murals, to trompe l’oeils, to illustrations.

Recently she leaped head first into her art career and devotes all of her time to creating works of all different colors, textures and styles.  She will try anything once and has a true passion for what she does. She shares a deep connection with her Manteo roots which reflects in the countless paintings of the idyllic scenery of the Outer Banks.

As a Club Seaside partner, Katy offers an “Art in Action” event that gives Seaside Vacations’ guests to the opportunity to enjoy a glass of local wine and watch her in action as she paints, plus a tour of the studio and a chance to purchase her original art.

Katy is truly a delight to work with, a spectacular artist, and I am so happy to be able to share her awesomeness with you.

To learn more about Katy’s work check out her website, and when you are in the area make sure to stop by and view some of her work at ARTspace studio located at:  1 Ocean Blvd #108 Southern Shores, NC 27949

Outer Banks - ARTspace Spring Art Show

Great spring art show on the Outer Banks with some fabulous local OBX artists.

We’ve highlighted Katy Caroline on the blog a few times, and not only is she an amazing painter, but she’s also a partner for our Club Seaside events. We have much love for Katy and ARTspace. Definitely worth checking out the show.