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The 44th Annual Frank Stick Memorial Art Show opened at Dare County Arts Council’s Gallery in downtown Manteo on Saturday, January 29.

Judge and artist James Melvin carefully selected the following award recipients:

Eure Best In Show: Taylor Williams “Prevail” (oil)

Excellence Awards: Holly Nettles “Renewal” (oil), Michael Halminski “Farm Truck” (photography), Mike Rowe “My Octopus Friend” (recycled resin) and Fay Davis Edwards “A Day’s Work” (mixed media encaustic).

Honorable Mentions: Bob McCormick “Manteo” (photography), Jennings Mitchell “The Baiting” (photography) and John Bliven “Just Hold On” (photography).

“This show is an excellent body of work with so much diversity,” said Melvin. “I selected Taylor Williams’ painting as the Best In Show piece because it encompasses what you look for in a great painting- composition, color and movement. It is super realistic, you can almost hear the waves crashing.”

This year’s Frank Stick Show features 105 entries from local and regional artists.

“I am extremely honored to have received Best In Show in the Frank Stick Show,” said Williams. “I know that it must have been a hard decision with all of the talented artists who submitted work. This piece was really special to me because I had the reference photo set aside for a long time before I painted it. When I finally decided to take on the challenge, I gave myself no time limit and included as many details as I could. I really enjoyed my time creating this piece, and I’m so grateful for the recognition.”

“Due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, the opening reception was postponed,” stated a DCAC press release. “In place of the opening reception, Dare County Arts Council will be hosting two evening viewings of the Frank Stick Memorial Art Show on Friday, February 18 and Thursday, February 24 from 5pm-7pm where people can come see the exhibit outside of regular gallery hours.”

People who visit the exhibit can vote by ballot for the People’s Choice Award, which will be tallied at the end of the show. The People’s Choice award recipient will be announced on Dare County Arts Council’s website and social media.

The show will remain on display at the DCAC Gallery through Friday, February 25. The Gallery is open Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

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.

“A special thank you to Jane Webster, Beverly Perdue, Muse Originals OBX, Michael Halminski Photography, and KDH Cooperative Gallery & Studios for sponsoring the 44th Annual Frank Stick Memorial Art Show,” stated the release.

For more information about this show or upcoming Dare County Arts Council events and exhibitions, call 252-473-5558 or visit DareArts.org.

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

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