Dare Arts Pride Project Makes its Debut in June

A month of visual, performing and literary art events highlighting artists who self-identify within the LGBTQ+ community will begin on Friday, June 2 as part of the Dare Arts Pride Project, which was developed by Dare Arts in collaboration with Out on the Outer Banks and OBX Pridefest.

“We’re very excited to work with Dare Arts on this project that uplifts a group of lesser-known locals,” said Out on the Outer Banks. “LGBTQ+ artists have unique experiences that often inform their artistic expressions, adding diversity and color to the world. We hope everyone can appreciate these varied works and connect with the artists who are our friends, family members, and neighbors.”

Outside Straight Lines- A Visual Arts Exhibition Featuring Queer Artists will open in Dare Arts’ Courtroom Gallery with a special reception from 6pm to 8pm on Friday, June 2. The reception is free and open to all and is during First Friday in downtown Manteo. Outside Straight Lines will be open for viewing during normal gallery hours through June 30.

Dare Arts’ June First Friday celebration will also include the debut of a fiber installation in The Courtyard by artist Elisa McVearry. The installation will remain on display through the summer.

“My plan is to cover some of The Courtyard's concrete walls in "craftivist" fiber art to bring awareness to the queer community and its struggles and triumphs,” said fiber artist Elisa McVearry. “My hope is that the viewer will consider that their fellow community members are deserving of equal rights and will join the fight against the current wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.”

Seven-piece band The Storyweavers will be playing their first show on the Outer Banks bringing Americana folk music to The Courtyard on Friday, June 2 from 6pm to 8pm.

First Friday will conclude with a spectacular fire performance in The Courtyard by Panda Daniels, starting at 8pm. 

The Dare Arts Pride Project will continue on Thursday, June 8 with a free concert by nationally touring duo Mama’s Black Sheep at Waveriders Coffee, Deli & Pub in Nags Head from 7pm to 9pm. The evening will be a social gathering for members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies to connect. Waveriders will have food and drinks available for purchase. 

“We are so excited to return to the Outer Banks to play in June,” said singer-songwriters Ashland Miller and Laura Cerulli of Mama’s Black Sheep. “Each of our songs allows you to travel with time, whether you’re swinging to country, rocking to pop, grooving to soul, or swaying to the blues; there’s always something to move your body and stir your soul.”

On Tuesday, June 13 there will be a special Dare Arts Pride Project Open Mic Night at Hi-Vibe Holistics Listening Room in Kill Devil Hills starting at 7pm. This evening is also free and open to LGBTQ+ community members and their allies and will be hosted by Evan Tillett. Performances including, but not limited to, poetry, prose, song (vocal or instrumental), monologue/scene, and/or stand-up are welcome. Those interested in participating in the Open Mic Night can sign up online at DareArts.org/outsidestraightlines. Sign-ups are not required, but are encouraged.

“As an openly gay Outer Banks native, it means a lot to me to see these types of events occur in my hometown,” said Evan Tillett. “Dare Arts has been a loyal advocate of the three communities that are most important to me; Dare County, the LGBTQ+ community, and the arts community. So, when they asked if I would host the Dare Arts Pride Project Open Mic Night, I jumped at the opportunity.”

Dare Arts Pride Project events are sponsored by Downtown Books, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Outer Banks, Anderson’s Florist OBX, and All Saints Episcopal Church.

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 these events, visit DareArts.org 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.