In celebration of the nationally recognized Pride Month, Dare Arts is proud to announce a call for entry for their second exhibit highlighting work by queer artists in June.

Outside Straight Lines- A Visual Arts Exhibition Featuring Queer Artists will showcase a variety of media including, but not limited to, paintings, jewelry, fiber art, ceramics, photography, and drawings by local and regional artists who self-identify within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ+) community.

Artists wishing to participate in this inclusive exhibition can find the prospectus and sign up for a specific time to drop off their work online at www.DareArts.org/outsidestraightlines.
 
“It was exciting to show my work in the company of other queer artists from the region,” said artist Suzanne Scott Constantine, who plans to exhibit again this year. “I was especially impressed with the diversity of media and subject matters, along with the artists’ range of ages and backgrounds.”

There will be an opening reception on Friday, June 7 from 6pm to 8pm at Dare Arts Gallery, where visitors can meet the artists and view their work. The reception is free and open to all and is during First Friday in downtown Manteo.

“Queer artists participate as individuals in many of the group exhibitions at Dare Arts,” said Lynne Scott Constantine, an artist who plans to exhibit again this year as well. “This show is a special opportunity for gallery visitors to consider questions like, ‘What does it do to my experience as a viewer to know that this artist identifies as queer?’ It’s really important for young queer artists to feel welcomed and supported by arts organizations like Dare Arts.”

Outside Straight Lines will be open for viewing in the Courtroom Gallery during normal gallery hours June 8-29.

During June First Friday, Dare Arts will have seven-piece band The Storyweavers playing Americana folk music in The Courtyard from 6pm to 8pm. The evening will conclude with a lively hoop dancing by Summer Spins followed by a spectacular fire performance by Panda Daniels.

Beginning on June 1 there will be other performing and literary art events throughout the month of June. All of these events are a part of Dare Arts’ programming initiative, The Dare Arts Pride Project. More information on these events will be available soon.

“Last year’s Dare Arts Pride Project events were a tremendous success,” said Dare Arts Executive Director Jessica Sands. “It was so wonderful to meet new artists and connect with community members who we haven’t worked with before. We work hard every day to foster a safe and inclusive culture that welcomes everyone. The arts on the Outer Banks are enriched when voices representing all people are respected, acknowledged, and exhibited.”

Businesses interested in sponsoring Outside Straight Lines- A Visual Arts Exhibition or any other Dare Arts Pride Project events should contact Dare Arts Executive Director Jessica Sands at [email protected].

This project is sponsored by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.

This project was supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
 
For more information about Dare Arts, please visit www.DareArts.org or call (252) 473-5558.