World-class artists from all over the East Coast will travel to the Outer Banks for the 38th Annual New World Festival of the Arts, which will be held on the Manteo waterfront Wednesday, August 14 and Thursday, August 15.
The free, outdoor festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day offering residents and visitors the opportunity to peruse the works of over 60 artists who specialize in a variety of media including painting, jewelry, glass blowing, photography, wood design, ceramics, and fiber.
Presented by PNC Bank, New World Festival of the Arts is the Outer Banks’ longest running art show, and a tradition for many artists.
“We are delighted that so many artists return year after year to showcase their work at New World,” said DCAC staff member and New World Festival of the Arts organizer Erin Johnson. “Although many of the exhibiting artists do not live here, the love that they have for the Outer Banks shines through in their artwork and immediately connects them to the visitors of this show.”
Watercolorist Russell Yerkes won Best In Show at New World Festival of the Arts in 2018 and painted There Is One In Every Crowd, which is the piece being used for the event’s marketing materials this year.
“It is an exciting and humbling opportunity to provide artwork for the New World Festival poster,” said award-winning watercolorist Russell Yerkes.
“I had mentally visualized There Is One In Every Crowd for years. I am inspired and driven by what I see in nature, and I try to emulate the characters in my art in a social environment,” Yerkes said.
“This particular painting, which is 48” x 66”, took many months to create, and I will be debuting it at New World. I look forward to traveling from afar to be a part of this unique show each year, as it is a great opportunity to sell and showcase my work and see many of my artist friends,” Yerkes added.
On Wednesday, August 14, Dare County Arts Council will host an artists’ reception for New World Festival of the Arts at 5 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public, and a great time to mingle with the talented artists participating in the festival. Midway through the reception, the judge will announce the award winners and distribute prizes.
Nora Hartlaub, who is an art enthusiast and adjunct professor at Elizabeth City State University, will judge the show. She attended Cleveland Institute of Art in Fiber and Material Studies for undergrad and went to Western Carolina University for graduate school. Nora is also the creative genius behind the OBX Art Truck, which is a 1991 Ford F150 that hosts artists and performers for traveling exhibitions.
A free shuttle will run from the College of the Albemarle Roanoke Island Campus both days of the festival. Free parking is also available in downtown Manteo.
New World Festival of the Arts has been a Manteo tradition for decades, providing awareness of current trends in the visual arts. The festival was started by Manteo business owner Edward Greene.
New World Festival of the Arts is presented by PNC Bank. A special thanks is also extended to the Town of Manteo, Kitty Hawk Kites, Manteo Rotary Club, Atlantic Elevators, Outer Banks Ace, McCown & McCown, Lone Cedar Café, White Doe Inn and Holiday House Weddings and Events for sponsoring the event.
This project was supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
To view the list of 2019 exhibiting artists or for more information about New World Festival of the Arts, visit DareArts.org/newworldfestivalofthearts or call 252-473-5558.
Dare County Arts Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization dedicated to encouraging the arts in Dare County through advocacy, enrichment and opportunity.