Hundreds of community members and artists gathered at Dare Arts on Friday, February 7 for the opening of the 47th Annual Frank Stick Memorial Art Show, which features the work of 107 local and regional artists.
“A bounty of talent is represented right now in Dare Arts’ Courtroom Gallery,” said writer, artist, and publisher Linda Lauby, who judged this year’s Frank Stick Show. “This shouldn't have surprised me, but the scope of diverse work is surprising, stellar, and deeply satisfying.”
Lauby carefully selected the following award recipients:
Eure Best In Show: Eric Riggs "Alligator River Voodoo Queen and Her Servants" (mixed media, antique parts)
Excellence Awards: Sarah Gill "Space and Time" (acrylic on canvas), Fred Vallade "Breaking Out" (mixed media), Emily Holmes "Calling Down The Moon" (mixed media, acrylic, ink, pencil, charcoal, collage on wood), and Katherine Wassink "Drum Season" (fiber)
Honorable Mentions: Susannah Sakal "Nantahala Trout" (wood, acrylic, resin, map), Willow Rea Temple "It Feels Like The World’s Ending, But Let's Go Fly a Kite" (acrylic, oil stick, graphite, molding paste), and Victoria Byers "Octopus Island" (photography)
People’s Choice (selected by public ballot at reception): Sam Ray “Metamorphosis” (oil)
“During my initial walk-through, I found that two pieces quite literally drew me toward them,” added Lauby. “I found them equally captivating, both outstanding in their composition and execution. However, also being a writer and publisher, I'm always looking for a story. The Best In Show piece entices the viewer to delve into its story. It's a compelling wonderland of a potential narrative.”
Artist Eric Riggs, who recently moved back to the Outer Banks from New York, entered the Frank Stick Show for the first time this year.
“I still can’t believe that I received the Best In Show award,” said Riggs. “I am honored, especially being in the company of so many other talented artists. My piece is heavily influenced by the gallery I worked at in New York, which specialized in voodoo from Ghana.”
At the opening reception over 100 people voted for the People’s Choice Award, which went to artist Sam Ray.
“This is an emotional and transformational piece that has made it through a lot with me,” said artist Sam Ray. “I started this painting three years ago, lost everything while I was creating it, and then I finally came back to it and finished it this year. It feels amazing to be chosen as the People’s Choice award recipient. I had to hold back tears when the announcement was made.”
The Frank Stick Memorial Art Show is the longest running visual arts exhibit in Dare County, and is held in memory of Outer Banks preservationist and artist Frank Stick. As a part of their 50th anniversary celebration, Dare Arts’ staff worked with the Outer Banks History Center and artist David Beal to curate a special display honoring Frank Stick to be a part of this year’s show.
On loan from the Outer Banks History Center, the display features two original works by Frank Stick, a photograph of Frank Stick, and an easel that he used. The display also includes “Posthumous- Portrait of Frank Stick” (oil on linen), which was created specifically for the show by artist David Beal.
In addition to the display, Dare Arts Executive Director Jessica Sands also announced two special 50th anniversary awards at the opening reception. Glenn & Pat Eure were named “The Legends” of the Frank Stick Memorial Art Show for their unwavering support of the show and the arts on the Outer Banks. Michael Halminski was named “Biggest Supporter” of the Frank Stick Memorial Art Show for his decades of both entering the show and sponsoring it.
“It is an honor and a privilege for us to kick-off this momentous year with the Frank Stick Show, an exhibit that pays beautiful homage to our history,” said Dare Arts Executive Director Jessica Sands. “Having two Frank Stick originals displayed alongside the work of over 100 local artists is truly spectacular. The arts are how we heal, connect, learn, and how we process life. We are so grateful to this community of people who continue to support the arts in Dare County.”
The show will remain on display in Dare Arts’ Courtroom Gallery through Saturday, March 1. The Gallery is open Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm and Saturday 10am-4pm.
Thank you to the Don & Catharine Bryan Cultural Series, Michael Halminski Photography, Jane Webster, Eve Turek, and Bev Perdue for sponsoring the 47th Annual Frank Stick Memorial Art Show.
For more information about the show, please visit DareArts.org or call (252) 473-5558.
In 2025, Dare Arts is commemorating its 50th anniversary by celebrating its past, present, and future. Dare Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization dedicated to encouraging the arts in Dare County through advocacy, enrichment and opportunity.
The views expressed in this exhibition do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Dare Arts’ employees, the organization, or affiliated entities.