Mollie Fearing
memorial art show
In Memory of Mollie A. Fearing
Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show
The 29th Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show will open in our Courtroom Gallery on Sunday, May 3 with a special reception from 2pm to 4pm.
Artist Carolina Coto will judge this year’s show.
Artists interested in participating in the 29th Annual Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show can find the prospectus and the artwork drop-off sign-up form on the buttons below.
The 29th Annual Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show will be open for viewing during normal Gallery hours from May 5 through May 30.
About The Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show
The annual show is held in memory of Mollie A. Fearing, one of the founders of the Dare Arts, and features an eclectic mix of artwork. The Mollie Fearing Memorial Show goes on display every May at the Gallery.
In 1975, a group of citizens gathering at Mollie’s house began what was originally called the Sea and Sounds Arts Council. It was established to bring cultural arts programing to Dare County, including dance, theater, visual arts, music, literature and more.
50 years later, her vision, and that of our founders, remains strong in our organization. Mollie was a vital supporter and advocate of the arts until she passed away on September 3, 1997. We are pleased celebrate her memory and remember her many contributions to our area through this annual exhibit.
2025 Mollie Award Recipients
The 28th Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show featured 88 entries from local and regional artists. Below are the award recipients:
Best In Show: Eric Riggs “Agnus” (mixed media serigraph)
Excellence Awards: Beth Burns “Mermaid’s Necklace” (hand-dyed wool, lycra, monofilament), Lori Goll “Sunset Palette” (pastel), Amy G. Snowden “Honoring Her Heritage” (watercolor), and Lisa LeMair “Blue in the Face” (acrylic, graphite, pen, art, science, memory, hope, despair, joy, activism, feminist rage, paper, Deborah Tannen's “You Just Don't Understand” on cradled gesso board)
Honorable Mentions: Lynne Francis “Storm Track” (acrylic), Bill Marchitelli “Off the Hook” (steel, driftwood), and Olha Fidyk “The Weight of Water” (mixed media)
People’s Choice Award: Bobby Wiltshire for his piece "Fishin’ Frenzy" (watercolor).
2026 Sponsors
Founded by Mollie A. Fearing and Associates Inc.
Mollie A. Fearing and Associates Inc. was established on August 1, 1978, as an Independent Agency. Mollie A. Fearing and Associates have supported the Mollie Fearing Memorial Art Show since its inception.
This project is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources.
