Celebrate 35 Years of Artrageous in May – OBX Today

Celebrate 35 Years of Artrageous in May - OBX Today
Students from the Mustang Outreach Program performing at Artrageous in 2023. Photo courtesy of Ava Norko.

The Outer Banks community is invited to attend the 35th Annual Artrageous Kids Art Festival, which will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sat., May 11 at Dowdy Park in Nags Head.

Fun at Artrageous in 2023. Photo courtesy of Tatum Clements.

Artrageous’ theme this year is Creativity stARTs Here, a nod to the fact that so many children have had their first art experience at this event.

“I’ve been involved with Artrageous, on and off, since the first one 35 years ago,” said Dare Arts Second Vice President Ginny Flowers. “Every Artrageous is an opportunity to introduce children to the joy and freedom of creating art. It’s so wonderful to see the generational effect, with young artists from decades ago still participating in the event and sharing their creativity with their children, the young artists of today. Over the years, several of the Artrageous Youth Scholarship applicants refer to Artrageous as their first taste of creating art. It’s a testament to how important this event is to our community and its families.”

Artrageous is a free, family-friendly event that includes interactive art activities, live music, vocal and dance performances by local students as well as an artisan market, and food vendors.

Organizations and businesses interested in hosting a kids art activity and artisans interested in selling their works at Artrageous can find the applications online at DareArts.org/artrageous. The application deadline is Friday, March 15.

Young artists will be given the opportunity to participate in The Young Artist Village, a dedicated space for artists ages 17 and under to sell their handmade goods.

“Artrageous is so fun,” said young artist sisters Cora and Lucy Francy who are participating in Artrageous’ Young Artist Village this year. “We like going to Artrageous to see friends, make crafts and to see what other artists are selling. Seeing what people make and how creative they are is cool! We are excited to sell our handmade jewelry, keychains, and pens at Artrageous this year.”

Fork ‘et Me Not, Island Snowball, Blurred Lines Bakery, and The Lopez Lemonade Stand will be selling snacks, cool drinks, and sweet treats onsite all day.

The Artrageous Kids Art Festival is Dare County’s longest-running kids art program. The Artrageous Youth Scholarship Fund awards one scholarship to a Dare County high school senior intending to study fine art or the performing arts in college each year.

Businesses or individuals interested in sponsoring the 35th Annual Artrageous Kids Art Festival should contact Dare Arts Executive Director Jessica Sands at DareArtsInfo@gmail.com.

This project is sponsored by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.

Thank you to the Don & Catharine Bryan Cultural Series for sponsoring Artrageous.

For more information about the event, please visit DareArts.org/artrageous or call (252) 473-5558.

Dare Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization dedicated to encouraging the arts in Dare County through advocacy, enrichment and opportunity.