The Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show is one of the art highlights of the Outer Banks. An eclectic blend of media of every sort, oils, acrylics, watercolors, mixed media and more, 2023 is the 26th annual show and what was on display gives a snapshot of the diversity and vision of Outer Banks artists.
Held at the Dare Arts Gallery on the waterfront in Manto—the building was the county courthouse at one time—the show is a tribute to Mollie Fearing one of the founders of Dare Arts.
Dare Arts has changed its name a few times. Originally it was the Sea and Sounds Arts Council. That was changed to the Dare County Arts Council and just recently became Dare Arts.
Regardless of its name, Dare Arts has always championed local artists and the creative community.
This year’s winner was Tamra Harrison Kirschnick “Red Sea,” a very different depiction of a beach scene.
The Dare Arts building is more than an art gallery, although a trip through its rooms and hallway is a fascinating look at the world of local artists. The upstairs gallery, where the Mollie Fearing Show is hanging was the courtroom at one time and it’s a spacious room, large enough to handle a number of different concepts.
Special shows are hung there, but it has also been used as an intimate gathering place for music and even an occasional play.
In the outside courtyard behind the Gallery live shows take place from time to time especially on First Friday.
The Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show will be on display through May 27. It’s a remarkable show and worth checking out.
There is so much energy and creativity on the Outer Banks from the north beaches of Corolla to Hatteras Village. Come and explore this sandbar by the sea while staying in a Brindley Beach Vacations home.