The 40th Annual Dare Arts New World Festival of the Arts is a tradition worth checking out. Lining the Manteo Waterfront with booths and tents, the festival brings artists from up and down the East Coast as well as Outer Banks artists to the town.
What may be most wonderful about the festival is the variety of art that is invariably on display—jewelry, pottery, painting, woodcraft and much more has been a part of the show since it first began.
The festival began in 1983 when Edward Green, the owner of the original Christmas Shop in Manteo, was looking for a way to get people to come to waterfront of the town. At that time much of what is now a thriving small town feel was not yet in place.
That first festival was so successful that Edward kept bringing it back year after year. Edward, who passed away last year at 96 years of age, handed it off Dare Arts ten years ago, and the festival has continued to thrive.
From those first festivals until today, the NWFA has featured outstanding artists. This is where some of the finest handcrafted jewelry can be found; or wildlife carvings that are as creative and innovative as anything anywhere.
Look for some different forms of art as well. Local artist Noah Snyder will be on hand their year, as an example. Snyder, who is a very talented visual artist, has been increasingly working with fractal wood-burning to bring the nature focused he creates to life.
Right now the weather for Tuesday, August 16 is looking a little iffy, but Wednesday is looking near perfect. Either way, this is one art show that should not be missed.
The Outer Banks has so many exciting things happening. Be sure to plan your stay at a Brindley Beach Vacations home so you, too, can be a part of life on a sandbar.