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Serving Carolina and Kure Beaches Come Be Part of the Arts!
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May 7th Island Arts Poetry Thursdays: Florence Nash
Florence Nash is the author of two poetry books, Crossing Water and Fish Music, both by Gravity Press.
She was born in Tarboro, NC, graduated from UNC and, following 20-odd years of Life Outside the South, came back to settle in Durham, where she worked in Duke Medical Center, primarily as a writer/editor.
For 16 years she directed the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Poetry Workshop at Duke.
Her poems have been published in numerous periodicals and anthologies, and she is a member of the Black Socks Poets.
American Legion Workshop 2 Acrylic Abstract Painting
This program is Free to American Legion Members and their family and no artistic skills are needed.
The workshops are designed support the project’s objectives - Self Expression.
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.
Deadline for application 04/15/2026 Selection for each workshop is "First Come First Served".
Call for Artists
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:
Call for Artists
Call for Artists
Summer Art Exhibition at Bella Vita (formally Uncle Vinny’s).
It’s a fun beach, colorful theme and will include 6 to 7 artists with 2d and 3d artwork.
Click the button to apply
Uncle Vinny's "For the Love of Art"
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!
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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