Brunswick Arts Council
2025 Annual Arts Show
Brunswick Arts Council’s annual arts events began in 2000 and each time we rotate the show to a different venue. The 2025 Visual Arts Show is being held Leland Cultural Arts Center in Leland, NC.
About This Event’s Judge
This event’s Judge is Joseph Bounds.
Joseph Bounds is a ceramic artist and painter based in Wilmington, North Carolina. He holds a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, where he studied drawing and painting, developing a deep appreciation for materiality and process. His current work in ceramics is influenced by nature and traditional Japanese aesthetics, emphasizing organic forms, rich textures, and atmospheric surfaces.
Specializing in wood-fired ceramics, Bounds embraces the unpredictability of fire and ash, allowing natural forces to shape the final surface of his pieces. His paintings, often textural and gestural, reflect a similar sensitivity to movement and depth. Across both mediums, his work explores the relationship between control and spontaneity, process and transformation.
Bounds is the founder of Gallery 906, a contemporary art space showcasing North Carolina artists and offering workshops in pottery and painting. Through his studio practice and teaching, he fosters a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship and artistic exploration.
We are honored to have an artist of his experience and caliber as our judge this year.
Many small community arts groups (photographers, painters, pottery, etc.) around the county come together to help make this annual juried arts show happen. There are different categories and award levels.
Scheduled Programs 2025
6/21/25 Midsummers Night Dream @ Make Music Day/Solstice at Ocean Isle Park
11am – Free 30 minute Performance
Audition Calls – Midsummers Night Dream, Adults and Children
OKI Parks & Rec Center
BAC Community Players
Contact: Rosina Whitfield
Rosina.Director@gmail.com
May 9th, 4-6pm
May 12th, 5-7pm
6/28/25 Aargh! A Pirate’s Life for Me, Saturday, June 28th during the Southport July 4th events
1pm & 4pm shows
Free performance – watch here for more details
Holiday Show 2024
Our Charlie Brown Christmas Play & Party in Brunswick County has come to an end. Looking at all the smiling faces, you could see the enjoyment in everyone’s eyes – young and old alike. If you didn’t make it this year, make plans to celebrate with us next year!
This was a free party (held at 3 locations in the county) with a special live performance by BAC Community Players, Santa, and more came together full of music & fun!
For kids of all ages, including entertainment, snacks, drinks, an Ugly sweater contest, and more surprises!
This event was hosted by the Brunswick Arts Council. In the spirit of giving, we collected donations — cash, cans and boxed food items — to help us spread holiday cheer. Thank you goes out to all that made donations to help feed people in the community.
BAC Mural Program
If you have a building/wall or space in Brunswick County that you would like to have painted – contact the Arts Council and we can see about partnering to help move your ideas for public art forward!
Currently BAC has partnered with the following Mural Projects:
Leland Habitat for Humanity
Oak Island Art Guild
Southport Parks & Rec – Max Dowdle 100 Murals for 100 NC Counties
New Hope Clinic, Boiling Spring Lakes
The Holden Beach 2020 Mural
The first piece was created at Holden Beach design by Gaetin Lowrie & Nancy Turner. Sherwin Williams of Holden Beach donated the pain and materials.
Using an Under the Ocean Theme & and a Paint by Numbers technique, the mural was painted in March 2020. The Run for the Arts scheduled to begin & end at the mural was cancelled due to the 1st case of Covid19 announced in Brunswick County on the day of the race.
Join us for March 2021 as we tackle another mural at Holden Beach & the 2nd Run for the Arts.
My Community Mural
Tell us about your community project and mural idea. Don’t forget to provide your name, organization (if you are requesting on behalf on one), contact information, cell/email/text and bit about the idea.
Mural Program Sponsored by the Town of Holden Beach, NC
The Billboard Contest is underway!
Young people and adults are tempted by alcohol and drugs for decades. Laws are passed and changed, and we continue to fight against alcohol and drug abuse as part of our mental, physical, and emotional health with our families and in our communities.
False glamour, peer pressure, and media attached to these issues have ruined far too many lives.
We ask our youth to develop their own solutions to the challenges they face. According to American for the Arts – 72% of Americans believe arts unify us regardless of age, race or ethnicity – and through the use of arts “we can change the conversation.”
Contest
This contest is open to all youth from ages 8 to 18 years old from Brunswick County.
We ask our youth to design and create posters that communicate a message of sobriety, and the dangers of substance abuse.
They can select from the following Design Topics: Awareness, Recovery, and Education.
Form to submit with drawing:
Prizes:
Six (6) Final Winning Designs will be chosen by a panel of representatives from Brunswick County, including CARE, DEWAA, MADE, Brunswick Arts Council, BACK OFF, Teachers, and Lamar Billboard Company. The images chosen will serve as the images used for community campaigns, including billboards, social media, and other marketing options.
Winning students and their art teacher(s) will receive a combined AWARD AMOUNT total $250 gift card for each final winning design selected ($125 to student & $125 to teacher for art supplies). We hope that award presentations will take place at the upcoming June meeting of the Brunswick County Commissioner’s Meeting at the County Administrative Building in Bolivia.
Questions
For questions or more information, contact Mary Beth Livers at Brunswick Arts Council at 910.448.2713 or email Execdir.
Brunswick County Intercultural Festival
The 2025 Brunswick County Intercultural Festival is set for Saturday, October 11th at the Leland Cultural Arts Center.
With the change in location, it will have a new layout. Some of the activities will be inside, but there will also be outside activities and food trucks. There will be a kids area with inflatables again. We are hoping for a Llama appearance, too!
Vendors Wanted!
Food Vendor
Cultural Arts Vendor
Community Non-Profit BAC Partner
International Village Exhibitor
Cultural Performance on Stage
Celebrate Brunswick County Series
Listen Up Brunswick County was a beloved concert series created by Jeannie and Ron Dufour. The purpose of this performance series is to bring great experiences to residence and guests of Brunswick County.
In 2023, Listen Up Brunswick County was given to Brunswick Arts Council to manage. In the spirit of the Dufour’s, BAC has created a collaborative series of events and festivals called Celebrate Brunswick. Join us for Arts Events that make a difference by partnering with different nonprofits. Proceeds from these concerts and performances help support our local artists, schools, and programs.
We are partnering with the North Carolina Rice Festival and the Brunswick County Intercultural Festival.
This 36-page activity book is a collaboration between NC Rice Festival, Brunswick Arts Council, and Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site. Funding was received from Brunswick County ARPA Grant, Landfall Foundation, NC Arts Council Grassroots Program; with additional input from NC Department of Natual and Cultural Resources and United Way of Cape Fear Area.
This free book is a combination of history, puzzles, coloring pages, and craft activities celebrating the history of rice and the Gullah Geechee communities in Brunswick county. It’s appropriate for 4th Grade education level. Contact the Brunswick Arts Council, the Rice Festival, or Brunswick Town Historic Site for your free copy, while supplies last.
Cinebay Film Festival is rolling!
Cinebay is a festival that focuses on curating family-friendly-short films over various genres. 2022 was the year of the festival’s inception, screening narrative, documentary, animation short films as well as multiple music videos. This year the festival will take place in the fall at the end of October. Join us for our 3rd film workshop screening and for the 4th annual film festival at the Virginia Williamson Event Center at the Odell Williamson Auditorium in Bolivia, NC.
Brunswick Arts Council $350 for Best Film 2025
Rules & Terms
July 4th Activities - Southport, NC
Childrens’ Entertainment area
Participate in the parade
Literary Arts in Brunswick
Cape Fear Voices & Teen Scene
Brunswick Arts Council has been proud to support this monthly publication almost since it’s inception in North Carolina. This team of dedicated community members write, design, and publish both hardcopy and digitally.
Cape Fear Voices features, articles, and pieces contributed by local residents on current happenings, topics of interest & culture/historic pieces.
To contribute, find out more or subscribe contact Cape Fear Voices Editor:
Teen Scene is a publication designed and created by our talented students. In fact, over 80 teens from across the county participate in the Teen Scene.
Each spring, an awards ceremony & banquet is held to recognize and celebrate their accomplishments.
https://cfvts.org/13633/cape-fear-voices/teen-scene-writers-award-banquet-in-the-news/
To contribute, find out more or subscribe contact Teen Scene Editor:
Editions & Read
Click here for a digital edition of the paper.
Literary Arts Academy
This talented team of community members have worked with several schools, and community centers to offer this program to supplement and hone writing skills amongst our students.
If you would like more information on how to offer this free program to your library, school community center or home school, please contact the editor.
To read some of the student works:
https://cfvts.org/category/schools/leland-middle-school/
Third Thursday Poetry
Join this free monthly zoom meeting and get tips from other county poets, share your work, or enjoy and listen to the works of others. This program is hosted by Author, Joan Leotta and funded by Brunswick Arts Council.
For the link to this months meeting contact
Make Music Day
Come celebrate Make Music Day & Solstice Festival with us on Saturday, June 21st from 10am – 8pm at Ocean Isle Beach Park.
Featuring the talents of: Ian Daviz Band; Purple Reign; Empress; Camp Fire Ball; Tina Smith; The Reflections; BAC Community Players: Mid Summers Night Dream; and Storytellers
Open Mic from 3pm – 6pm
Food
Arts & Craft Vendors
Click here to sign up for OPEN MIC!!
OPEN MIC 15 minute slots from 3pm – 6pm
About
Make Music Day, which originated in 1982, is a global celebration observed on the same day in over 1,000 cities across numerous countries. This unique music festival invites everyone to participate, regardless of age or skill level. Whether you’re a budding amateur or a seasoned professional, there’s a place for you in this harmonious gathering.
The beauty of Make Music Day lies in its inclusivity. It doesn’t matter whether you’re strumming your guitar on a front porch, belting out tunes on a grand stage, or tapping out rhythms on a city sidewalk. All musical styles are welcome—jazz, rock, classical, hip-hop, and everything in between.
And the best part? It’s completely free and open to the public. So, mark your calendar for June 21st, and let’s create a symphony that resonates around the world! 🎵🌎🎶.
Participate
🎵🎶 Let’s create a musical symphony together. 🎹🎤🥁
On June 21, the stages await for all musicians, rappers, and instrumentalists to join in. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just starting out, there’s a spot for you in this harmonious ensemble. 🎸🎺🎻
- Singers: Belt out your melodies with passion.
- Church choirs: Bring your heavenly harmonies.
- Jazz combos: Swing those notes and improvise.
- Rock bands: Crank up the amps and let the chords roar.
- Glee clubs: Harmonize and spread joy.
- MCs: Drop your lyrical flow.
- Marching bands: Step in rhythm and create a cadence.
- Mariachis: Strum those guitars and serenade us.
- Carolers: Sing festive songs during the season.
No matter your age or skill level, you’re all welcome. Let’s make June 21 a day to remember, where music unites us all! 🎵🌟🎶
This event is made possible through a Grant from the North Carolina Arts Council.
Create a Character
May 30-31, 2025
10am – 3pm
Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson Historic Site
A 2-day workshop for Actors (students, professional, and community theatre), historical Interpretors, Reenactors, and Storytellers. $25 price include materials and lunch. Comfortable clothing and an extra pair of shoes required. Space is limited.
This workshop is geared for drama enthusiasts, high school and community theater, and historic and living history interpreters.
Join Carolyn Evans as she helps workshop attendees bring their chosen historical figure to life. Learn from Carolyn the tips and techniques that have helped her successfully bring Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, and others to life for audiences across the United States.
About the Teacher
Storyteller Carolyn Evans is a highly spirited New York actress, poet, and storyteller who started performing over fifty years ago.
Through her celebrated series, “My Spirit Sings-Women Who Could’ve Sung The Blues, But Didn’t,she portrays both the sung and unsung shero. These women are Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Harriet Jacobs, Mamie Till, Fannie Lou Hamer, Mary Ann Cord and Stage Coach Mary Fields. Ms. Evans has shared the stage with such notables as Melba Moore, Dick Gregory, Pete Seeger, Glenn Close, and jazz musician, Christopher Dean Sullivan. She has performed at the legendary Apollo Theatre, Gettysburg, the African Burial Ground National Monument, the Halle Cultural Arts Centre, the Page-Walker Cultural Center and the Warrenton and South Carolina Black Cowboy Festivals. Carolyn Evans received her theatre degree from Syracuse University and is a member of the North Carolina Association Of Black Storytellers, the “Inalienable Rights Ensemble,” of Joe McGill (the Slave Dwelling Project), and the Sankofa Drum and Dance Ensemble.
Performing Arts in Brunswick
Our musicians, dancers, actors and community programs are growing.
You can find out what’s happening throughout the year:
Brunswick Arts Council Scholarship Program Application 2025
Deadline: Wednesday, April 30, 2025
A) Purpose:
The purpose of the Scholarship Program is to assist deserving students seeking to begin higher education and/or vocational studies beyond secondary education. The program will seek Brunswick County Schools’, non traditional Homeschool, and Charter School student applicants from various social, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, who are interested in educational opportunities for scholarships that will empower those recipients to become informed and educated contributors to society. Students should demonstrate an interest in the Fine Arts through fine art courses taken, outside interests, etc. However, they do not have to indicate an interest in majoring in the arts or actually working in the arts, just a continued interest in the arts.
B) Funding:
The Scholarship Committee will select finalists from which to determine the recipient(s) of the $1,500.00 scholarships. This year 2 or more finalists will be selected for scholarship funding.
This year 2 or more finalists will be selected for scholarship funding. BAC, in partnership with GFWC-South Brunswick Islands Woman’s Club, annually presents The Penny Redwine Memorial Arts Scholarship to a West Brunswick High School graduating senior who best meets the established criteria of this scholarship program. This $1,500 scholarship is funded by the BAC, GFWC-SBI, and the Redwine Family.
C) Scholarship Committee Obligations:
The Committee will distribute scholarship instructions and applications to all Brunswick County High Schools as well as make available materials online. No fewer than two committee members will come from the Board of the Brunswick Arts Council. All committee members (up to 5 in total) will review the scholarship application materials of applicants. After the review process, the committee will select the finalists and ultimate winner(s). All information received by the committee will be considered confidential.
D) Applicant Requirements:
1. Must be graduating high school senior from Brunswick County Schools, charter school or accredited NC homeschool program
2. Must have proof of acceptance as an entering full-time student to a college or university, junior/community college, or vocational school
3. Must show fine arts’ experience in school and/or the community and/or interest in majoring in an arts area from the institution of higher learning or a commitment to continuing to show an interest in the arts in some way
E) Application Process:
● Complete the application form including personal information and arts’ experience narrative with special attention to Financial Need Documentation.
● Attach a copy of letter of acceptance, if available, or some other documentation showing the applicant as an entering full-time student to a college, junior/community college, or vocational school.
● Attach a letter of reference (one paragraph or more) from a regular core teacher in a non-arts area or school counselor or administrator identifying the applicant’s academic promise, demonstrated motivation for self-improvement, and other relevant attributes.
● Attach a letter of reference (one paragraph or more) from a fine arts’ teacher either from the school system or outside the school system as a private teacher identifying the applicant’s successful experiences in the arts and cultural organizations.
● Include an official copy of the high-school academic transcript in a sealed envelope by a counselor.
● If available, include a copy of FAFSA (Federal Application for Financial Student Aid) if available; however, this report is not mandatory. If FAFSA is not available to include in the application packet, the student should provide specific needs or reasons for seeking financial aid. All information will remain confidential.
The candidate’s high-school counselor should send or deliver the following to Shane Miller at North Brunswick High School via School Courier or otherwise by Wednesday, April 30, 2025:
1. the completed application form,
2. a copy of letter of college acceptance or comparable documentation,
3. an official high-school academic transcript,
4. a copy of FAFSA (Federal Application for Financial Student Aid) if available,
5. two sealed letters of reference per guidelines,
6. a personal narrative citing financial needs specifically, goals, community plans, and potential arts involvement in the future, and
7. sample of artistic work (pdf, jpeg, slide show, vid clip, link tik tok, writing sample) of their particular art form (visual 2 D or 3D, Literary performing or music)
8. a listing of various awards, experiences, leadership roles, and accomplishments from the high-school years including clubs, sports’ teams, community service, offices held, etc.
Solstice Festival
Come celebrate Make Music Day & Solstice Festival with us on Saturday, June 21st from 10am – 8pm at Ocean Isle Beach Park.
Featuring the talents of: Ian Daviz Band; Purple Reign; Empress; Camp Fire Ball; Tina Smith; The Reflections; BAC Community Players: Mid Summers Night Dream; and Storytellers
Open Mic from 3pm – 6pm
Food
Arts & Craft Vendors
Click here to sign up for OPEN MIC!!
OPEN MIC 15 minute slots from 3pm – 6pm
Arts & Crafts Vendors Wanted!
2025 Vendor Application Form
Dare Arts’ Annual Outer Banks Veterans Writing Workshop
Dare Arts’ Annual Outer Banks Veterans Writing Workshop dates for 2025 has not been announced yet. We will update as soon as we know more.
This free two-day event will be held in person on the Outer Banks at the beautiful Coastal Studies Institute and is open to all Veterans, active-duty military, and their family members.
Please visit DareArts.org/veterans for more detailed information or to register for the workshop. Although the workshop is free, pre-registration is required.
Empowering Veterans, Active-Duty Military,
and First Responders through Art
At Veterans Creative Arts Program, we are dedicated to fostering the artistic talents of our veterans, active-duty military, and first responders while prioritizing their health and safety.
Please join us as we explore ways to strengthen your creative expression through drawing, painting and creating mixed media works of art in our classes and workshops. For veterans active-duty military, and first responders, especially those experiencing the effects of service-related trauma, such as PTSD and traumatic brain injury. Please visit https://veteranscreativearts.org for more information.
Veterans Creative Arts Program is a tax-exempt organization under the Internal Revenue Service Code 501 (c)(3).