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Call for Artists
Island Arts Council is proud to celebrate the beauty and stories of Cape Fear region with the new 2026 Regional Juried Art Exhibition, Echoes of Place: Artists’ Reflections of New Hanover County. The exhibition will be held August 1–15, 2026, at Fort Fisher State Historic Site in Kure Beach, North Carolina.
Artists of all disciplines are invited to submit original works that interpret the distinctive character of New Hanover County — its maritime heritage, coastal beauty, historic landmarks, and the communities that have shaped this remarkable region. The call for artists opens March 1, 2026, with a submission deadline of June 1, 2026.
Set against the storied backdrop of Fort Fisher State Historic Site, this exhibition pairs artistic expression with the rich history of New Hanover County. Works selected for the show will reflect the places, people, and stories that define this region — from the Civil War earthworks of Fort Fisher to the vibrant waterfront communities of Wilmington and the quiet shores of Pleasure Island.
To ensure historical rigor, the Council is partnering with esteemed historian Dr. Jan Davidson, whose education provides a foundational resource for artists seeking to interpret the region’s complex past—from the ramparts of Fort Fisher to the modern spirit of Pleasure Island and surrounding areas.
The gallery will be curated by Gayle Tustin, an acclaimed artist and arts educator with deep roots in the North Carolina coastal arts community. Tustin brings a discerning eye and a commitment to honoring authentic, place-based artistic expression. Her choices will showcase works that deeply explore the exhibition’s themes of memory, identity, and place.
Island Arts Council welcomes submissions from emerging and established artists across all media, including painting, photography, printmaking, drawing, sculpture, and mixed media. Works must be original, created within the past three years, and directly inspired by New Hanover County.
For more information:
Healing Arts: Visual Art for Self Expression
This program is a series of three (3), 3-hour workshops for members of Carolina Beach American Legion.
Each workshop has different themes and different intentions. They are designed to work together to support the project’s objectives - Self Expression.
You may register for as many workshops as you want.
Workshops take place at the American Legion Pleasure Island Post 129 meeting hall, with all materials included.
We limit sessions to 8 participants to provide personalized support and a quiet space for emotional reflection and discussion.
This program is Free to American Legion Members and no artistic skills are needed. Deadlines for registration are one (1) week before the workshop. Selection for each workshop is "First Come First Served".
Poetry Thursdays - March 12th
Join the Island Arts Council for an evening of coastal literature as Liza Wolff-Francis, the 8th Poet Laureate of Carrboro, NC, headlines Poetry Thursdays at Jack Mackerel's Island Grill on March 12, 2026, at 6:00 PM.
Liza holds an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Goddard College and is a widely published, Best of the Net-nominated poet. Her featured reading will draw from her recent collection, 48 Hours Down the Shore (Kelsay Books, 2024), along with her previous chapbooks. Looking ahead, her collaborative hybrid poetry-prose work is set for release through Unsolicited Press in November 2026.
Event Details
- Open Mic: Following the featured reading, the floor opens to local writers and listeners of all experience levels.
- Venue: Jack Mackerel's Island Grill is located at 113 K Avenue, Kure Beach, NC.
- Dining: Full food and beverage service is available for purchase, featuring Caribbean-influenced seafood and a relaxed, island atmosphere.
- Parking: Options include free and paid street parking, as well as on-site lots.
Uncle Vinny's "For the Love of Art"
Uncle Vinny’s is proud to host the latest IAC Rotating Gallery exhibition, "For Love of Art."
Running from February 6th through May 1st, 2026, this showcase features six curated local artists who will debut and rotate new, incredible works throughout the season.
You are supporting local artists and businesses while enjoying the artwork!
Come Be Part of the Arts!
New for 2026 Healing Arts
New for 2026 Healing Arts
We are thrilled to offer a new art series for our community. These workshops are designed and lead by professional art therapists and IAC artists.
Art therapy uses creative expression (drawing, painting, sculpting) in a relaxing setting to improve well-being by helping people process trauma, reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and develop coping skills, especially when words fail; it provides a non-verbal outlet for exploring feelings, fostering resilience, and gaining new insights, acting as a powerful complement to traditional therapy.
Clay Community Healing Arts is lead by Carol Geary who has over 20 years of experience in clay art. Meg McGrew, a professional art therapist, will help participants understand the meaning and symbolism in their artwork to gain insights and develop coping strategies.
This program is free for participants living on our island. It is funded by the Art Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County and Stoked Restaurant.
Featured Island Artist
Diane Aufiero
My name is Diane Aufiero. My art is "Nature Made and Artist Enhanced".
Most of my shells are locally sourced.
Sometimes I create things I want to do, other times the shells lead the way and I see something in them that leads me to make what I see. No two pieces are ever alike.
Pieces can be seen on my Facebook page, 2 Beach Chicks, and I sell at Oceanside Art & Gifts on the Carolina Beach boardwalk.
I live locally on Carolina Beach and am open to special orders. Seasonally, I make nativities. I have always loved the beach and can't pass up a shell.
My sons lovingly call me the crazy shell lady.
I hope you enjoy my pieces.
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