A Charlie Brown Christmas
Are you ready for a fun-filled Charlie Brown Christmas? See the holidays through the eyes of a child at our interactive celebration full of music and dancing. There will even be a visit from Santa! Dress as your favorite character and celebrate the holidays with Charlie Brown and friends!
There will be three shows!
Saturday, December 7, 1-3pm
Shallotte Presbyterian Church
Saturday, December 14, 3-5pm
Southport Community Center
Wednesday, December 18, 7-8:30pm
Leland Cultural Arts Center
Pyrates Parlay moving to March 29, 2025
We've been busy over the summer bringing you entertaining festivals, shows and artwork. The fall/winter season is shaping up to be packed with amazing events too!
Pyrates Parley Fundraiser
Brunswick Arts Council announced earlier this fall that in consideration for everyone after Tropical Cyclone #8 (the unnamed storm) so generously brought rain to us, the BAC Board has decided to postpone the Pyrates Parlay event until March 29, 2025.
The Pyrates Parlay is special evening filled with festivities and Pirates! The evening will be filled with pirates, live music, casino games, bar, dinner, dancing, a fashion show, a cigar lounge, take-home souvenirs, and even more surprises. The event is being held at the beautiful Sea Trail Resort Center, Sunset Beach on Saturday, March 29th from 5-9pm. Come dressed in your best or as a pirate. Tickets are only $150 per person. Visit https://brunswickartscouncil.org for more information and to purchase tickets.
24th Annual Fall Art Show Opens
Brunswick Arts Council presents its 24nd Annual Fall Art Show and Sale September 16-28 at the Franklin Square Gallery in Southport, NC. There are some amazing pieces on display - admission is free so come look!
The annual art show includes works by adults members and non-members of Brunswick Arts Council and other arts groups (including Art League of Leland, Waterway Arts Association, Oak Island Art Guild, Art Association of Southport, Coastal Camera Club) and will include 2 -dimensional works in oils, watercolor, pastel and mixed media as well as 3-dimensional works.
The show is juried and an awards reception will be held on Friday, September 20th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Awards:
BAC Best of Show Award
Two-Dimensional (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
Traditional Photography (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
Digital Art 2D (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
Mixed Media 2D (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
Abstract Art 2D (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
Abstract Art 3D (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
Three-Dimensional (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
Artisan Craft Function 3D (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
Artisan Craft Decorative 3D
Teen (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
First Place Teen 2D
First Place Teen 3D
Special Awards:
Art League of Leland Award
Associated Artists of Southport Award
Oak Island Art Guild Award
Veteran Award
Waterway Art Association Award.
Merit Awards
Honorable Mention Awards
Art Show Reception September 20
There will be a reception and awards presentation during the show on Friday, September 20th from 5:00 p.m. to 700 p.m. at the Franklin Square Gallery. The public is invited to attend the show anytime during the week and to attend the reception on Friday.
Art Show Judge
This year’s Judge is William T. Miller of Myrtle Beach, SC.
William (Billy) H. Miller, originally from Western New York State, is a graduate of NYC’s Parsons School of Design. While he spent much of his career as a computer graphic artist and in online marketing, he never stopped creating his own art. From New York to Texas, and now in South Carolina, Billy has been sharing his unique view of the world through his abstracts. Presently, Billy runs his own studio/art gallery in Myrtle Beach, sharing his own work and supporting the local art community. He has been a Winner & Finalist for Best Artist and Best Gallery in the Happening List and shown twice in ArtFields, and had a solo exhibition at the Art Museum. He is a member of multiple art groups and guilds in the Grand Strand area, and a founding member of the First Fridays Art Walk in the downtown Arts + Innovation District of Myrtle Beach. Billy also has served as a Board Member of the Franklin G Burroughs-Simeon B Chapin Art Museum in Myrtle Beach for nine years before joining the staff as Institutional Planning Coordinator in 2022. As a creative catalyst, Executive Director of TheArtsGrandStrand.org, and Board Member of the Myrtle Beach Downtown Alliance, he is always looking for ways to support the Arts in our community. We are honored to have an artist of his experience and caliber as our judge this year.
Additional Information
For additional information about the Brunswick Arts Council itself, membership information and further details about the Annual Exhibit and Sale, visit the website- www.brunswickartscouncil.org the Facebook page- Facebook.com/brunswickartscouncil.
For questions or more information, contact Mary Beth at Brunswick Arts Council at 910.448.1016 or email execdir.brunswickartscouncil@gmail.com.
About the Brunswick Arts Council
The mission of Brunswick Arts Council (BAC) is to support, sustain, enhance, and cultivate the arts in Brunswick County making cultural events, arts education, and appreciation of the arts available to the diverse range of county residents. Formed in 1981, BAC is the designated community partner with NC Arts Council, helping to subgrant more than $1,120,000 in grants into Brunswick arts organizations, groups, and programs across the county. Additionally, we partner with other agencies, including Brunswick County to provide other programs, events, awards, grants, project development and additional support to organizations and artists living and working in the county. www.brunswickartscouncil.org
About the North Carolina Arts Council
The North Carolina Arts Council builds on our state’s longstanding love of the arts, leading the way to a more vibrant future. The Arts Council is an economic catalyst, fueling a thriving nonprofit creative sector that generates $2.12 billion in annual direct economic activity. The Arts Council also sustains diverse arts expression and traditions while investing in innovative approaches to art-making. The North Carolina Arts Council has proven to be a champion for youth by cultivating tomorrow’s creative citizens through arts education. www.NCArts.org
Community Fun & Creativity Never Stops!
We've been busy over the summer bringing you entertaining festivals, shows and artwork. The fall/winter season is shaping up to be packed with amazing events too!
Brunswick Arts Council Annual Fall Art Show
A community favorite since the turn of the century! This year's event is being held at the Franklin Square Gallery in Southport, NC. The exhibition will run from Monday, September 16 through Saturday, September 28, 2024. A Reception & Awards Ceremony will be on Friday, September 20th from 5-7 pm. The annual art exhibit is open to the public at no charge. It celebrates our visual artists of Brunswick County with over $3,000 combined in a variety of award categories. This year's judge is William T. Miller of Myrtle Beach, SC. Artists and Art Lovers are welcome to participate as volunteers.
Brunswick County Intercultural Festival
Join us in celebrating cultures in and around Brunswick County! The Brunswick County Intercultural Festival is an annual FREE event that brings together families, individuals, adults, children of all ages, students, schools, churches, local businesses, service providers, public officials residents of Brunswick County and surrounding areas on a journey to learn, understand, celebrate the diverse culture represented in area communities. This year, the event is being held at Riverwalk Park in Belville on October 12. There will be music, dancing, storytelling, craft and food vendors, and an International Village to tour. Shhh! Want to hear a little secret - you might even see some Alpacas! For more informationk, visit https://bcifestival.org.
Pyrates Parley Fundraiser
Brunswick Arts Council is excited to announce this year's fall fundraiser. The Pyrates Parlay is special evening filled with festivities and Pirates! The evening will be filled with pirates, live music, casino games, bar, dinner, dancing, a fashion show, a cigar lounge, take-home souvenirs, and even more surprises. The event is being held at the beautiful Sea Trail Resort Center, Sunset Beach on Saturday, October 26th from 5-9pm. Come dressed in your best or as a pirate. Tickets are only $150 per person. Visit https://brunswickartscouncil.org for more information and to purchase tickets.
Read more
Solstice By The Sea Arts Festival - June 22, 2024
Vendors Wanted!
BE A VENDOR (Arts & Crafts, Food or Community Group)
If you want to be an arts & crafts or food truck vendor, please click on the application below, print, complete and return the form to us. We only allow 1 online image to be uploaded, so please create a 1 page image that has several photos on it. This can be created on your computer, in a word doc or publishing software and saved as a jpeg or pdf etc.
Please note- if you have issues with online payment – Make your check out to: Brunswick Arts Council. Mail to : Solstice Festival c/o Mary Beth Livers, 3651 Heron Circle , Southport, NC 28461.
Join Us for our 4th Annual Solstice by the Sea Festival This year’s location: Riverwalk Park, Rt. 133, Belville, NC 28451
MUSIC, DANCING, ARTS & CRAFTS, POETRY, STORY TELLING, FOOD & Much More!, Saturday, June 22, 2024 10:00 AM-8:00 PM –
Join us for this free community event! This day is brought to you by Brunswick Arts Council. and NC Arts Council Grassroots Program in Brunswick County.
Stage Music & More
Saturday Performances Riverwalk Park
To be announced. If you are a musician, storyteller or performer and would like to be considered, please contact Brunswick Arts Council
BAC Hospitality Tent
10 AM – 8 PM Brunswick Arts Council
- Vendor check in
- Water station
Arts & Crafts Vendors & Community Booths
10 AM to @5 PM Visit these different artists & community booths— buy a gift, find that gift or cool art you’ve always wanted or come meet your neighbors. Here’s your chance to see what community groups are helping to make Brunswick County special!
Food Truck Rodeo
10 AM – 8 PM
Enjoy the eats!
Our Sponsors are:
Bronze Level
Patrons
Friends
Artist Call Arts & Parts Runway Challenge
We are excited to announce the 2nd annual Arts & Parts Fashion & Costume Runway Contest. Recycled fashions must be made of at least 75% recycled or reused materials that otherwise would be thrown away or recycled. Vintage clothes on their own will not be accepted. Complete outfits are recommended. Only one prize per designer.
There are two opportunities to participate:
- For Adult/Senior entries and show will be at our 2nd Annual Solstice by the SEA Festival June 18, 2022, at Middleton Park on Oak Island, NC. Entry fee $25. Register to enter using the online form below. show will be “Runway show” style feel in daylight on an outdoor stage. It will be covered and in the shade. Contestants are encouraged to strut their recycled stuff on stage at our Solstice by the SEA Festival June 18, 2022. Prizes- Adult $150 1st place, 2nd Ribbon, 3rd Ribbon. Senior $100 1st place, 2nd Place Ribbon, 3rd Place Ribbon. Fascinator Hat $100 1st Place, 2nd Place Ribbon, 3rd Place Ribbon. $50 for “People’s Choice. “ You may design a: 1) complete outfit or 2) fascinator hat by itself. Entries may be limited or capped. Accepted entries will be notified and will receive one (1) “Artist Pass” to allow them to participate in the event. You must model and wear your entry on the runway. Family & friends must purchase an event ticket to view runway portion of the evening. Please note that BAC employees and Board members may submit an entry, but are not eligible to win cash prizes. All awards will be determined by an outside judge.
- Youth entries show will be at our 2nd Annual Solstice by the SEA Festival June 18, 2022, at Middleton Park on Oak Island, NC. FREE Entry. Must register in advance using online entry form below. The youth runway show will be “Runway show” style feel in daylight on an outdoor stage. It will be covered and in the shade. Contestants are encouraged to strut their recycled stuff on stage at our Solstice by the SEA Festival June 18, 2022. Entry is Free. 1st Place Ribbon, 2nd Place Ribbon, 3rd Place Ribbon. Please note that children & relatives of BAC employees and Board members may submit an entry, but are not eligible to win cash prizes. All awards will be determined by an outside judge.
We hope to display the outfits from both events Fashion Show online and our BAC YouTube channel so folks that missed the show can still see your works of art.
For creative up-cyclers and recyclers of all ages! Tape, trash bags, Styrofoam, paper….the list of materials is limited only by your imagination.
Look online and get inspired! Look in the recycling bin, or junk drawer and see what you can find to turn into an outfit. Eco style & Fashion – go traditional or go runway wild!
Show us what you can make!
Entries may be limited or capped. See for info....read more
The NEA Big Read Cape Fear
20th Annual BAC Fall Art Show
We are pleased to showcase the creativity of our local Brunswick County Artists at the 20th Annual BAC Fall Art Show. Come see the two and three dimensional works - many of which are for sale. Support your neighbors, family and friends by coming to view their original artworks. Thank you to Phil Meade for his phenomenal judging skills at this year's event.
The Show will be held at Sunset River Marketplace in Calabash, so plan time to browse around and see all the additional works of arts & crafts by all of the artists in the Gallery. Don't miss Richard Staat's work as the featured artist for the month of October. The Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday 11 AM to 5 PM.
Exhibition Dates are:
Monday October 12 through Saturday, October 17, 2020
Due to Covid19, we will not be having an evening reception this year - however the Awards will be presented to the winners on Thursday, October 15, 2020, 4 to 5 PM.
For more information about other volunteer opportunities for the Fall Art Show, contact, Chairperson JoAnn Staat at joannstaat@gmail.com
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
Brunswick Arts Council is seeking volunteers to help with our 20th Annual Art Show. We are seeking Gallery Sitters. Gallery Sitters are able to sit for 2.5 hours, to help greet visitors, provide information and help with sale of arts show works. Dates we are looking for volunteers are: October 13 Noon-3 pm; October 15, 3-5 pm and Oct 17, 10 am-12:30 pm. The Show will be held at Sunset River Marketplace in Calabash.
To volunteer call/text Mary Beth at 910.448.1016 or email execdir.brunswickartscouncil@gmail.com.
For more information about other volunteer opportunities for the Fall Art Show, contact, Chairperson JoAnn Staat at joannstaat@gmail.com
Meet the Mural Artists
Gaeten Lowrie:
Gaeten Lowrie is a visual artist based in Wilmington, NC, USA. He is most known for his signature pen & ink style, which is often compared to stained glass because of its highly-saturated jewel tones. Artist Gaeten Lowrie’s murals perfectly depict the positive vibes in Leland’s new Eternal Sunshine Café and LunaBelle Gift Shop and Gallery. For a complete interview see: https://lifeinbrunswickcounty.com/a-sunny-match/
Nancy Turner:
Nancy Turner lives in Southport, North Carolina where she creates art and teaches it. She is originally from Massachusetts but has been a North Carolina resident for twenty years now. Nancy is a visual artist who paints with acrylics, oils, watercolors, and her favorite; alcohol inks. She also creates and sells Resin art, such as coasters and lazy Susan’s. Her favorite piece of art that she has created is the image below of the ship on glass with the alcohol inks.
How did you get into art initially?
“In school I did mostly charcoal portraits, but life and work took over. Ironically, at 65 I attended a paint and sip party aboard a cruise ship in Hawaii. I fell in love with painting again and came home and started creating.”
How has your art changed over time?
“My art has dramatically changed, from classes, to practice, practice, practice. I usually paint everyday. I’ve explored all mediums; even making jewelry with alcohol inks.”
Have you always wanted to create art?
“Yes, and I can’t wait to start on the wall mural in Holden Beach.”
Who inspires you the most?
“Certainly the obvious ones; Van Gogh, Manet, etcetera, but I’ve also learned a lot from painters such as Bob Ross and Leonid Afremov.” Nancy also credits some of her inspiration to the Alcohol Ink Society’s talented artists and teachers, who give her monthly challenges to expand her comfort zone.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
“Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they like it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.” – Andy Warhol