New World Art Show Returns To Manteo For 36th Year

Posted By Matt Artz on July 19, 2017

Over 75 world-class artists will travel to the Manteo waterfront August 16-17 for the 36th Annual New World Festival of the Arts.

From 10am-5pm on both days guests can peruse fine art, including painting, photography, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, wood design, leather works, and more.

“Tim and I look forward each year to participating in the New World Festival of the Arts,” said pottery artist Janet Gaddy. “Chris Sawin and the crew at Dare County Arts Council do an outstanding job of gathering a phenomenal group of artists to create an amazing show.”

Presented by PNC Bank for the third consecutive year, the free, outdoor festival has been a Manteo tradition for decades, providing awareness of current trends in the visual arts while acquainting visitors with the historic Town of Manteo.

“I am so glad to be participating in the 2017 New World Festival of the Arts,” said jewelry artist Cammie Hall. “For the last six years I have been privileged enough to come along with other artists from College of the Albemarle. It is a great venue and I am excited to be juried on my own this year!”

Mixed media artist Lisa Beth Robinson will judge the show. Robinson makes artist books (letterpress, papermaking, printmaking) broadsides, fine art, curates exhibitions, and is an assistant professor at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC.

This year’s Best in Show award recipient will receive a cash prize of $1,000. Second and third place will also receive cash prizes, and merit awards will be given as well.

On the first day of the show (Wednesday, August 16), Dare County Arts Council will host an artist reception at 5pm at their Gallery in downtown Manteo. Guests attending the reception will also be able to view the “Ocean & Earth” Painting Exhibit by 2016 New World Festival of the Arts Best in Show 2D award recipient, Virginia Beach, VA based acrylic painter Ed Obermeyer.

“I was completely overwhelmed with being chosen as Best in Show 2D last year considering the talent on display during the show,” said artist Ed Obermeyer. “I love doing this show just so I can be in the charming atmosphere of Manteo. I am looking forward to this year!”

The New World Festival of the Arts brings an average of 5,000-6,000 attendees to the historic Town of Manteo each year. The festival is presented by PNC Bank. Thank you to corporate sponsor SAGA Construction & Development and event partner The Town of Manteo for supporting the show.

This project was supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.