Brunswick Arts Council Hosts 26th Annual Visual Arts Show & Sale

Ocean Isle Beach, NC, February 12, 2026

The Brunswick Arts Council is set to present its 26th Annual Visual Arts Show & Sale at Silver Coast Winery. This event highlights local artists and encourages community engagement through a diverse exhibition of original works. Open from February 28 to March 9, the show showcases various artistic mediums and is free to the public. It emphasizes grassroots support for the arts while celebrating creativity within Brunswick County. The event will also feature awards, including over $4,000 in prizes, fostering a competitive yet supportive atmosphere for participating artists.

Myrtle Beach, SC — The Grand Strand community is once again poised to experience a vibrant showcase of local talent and artistic dedication, as the Brunswick Arts Council prepares to host its 26th Annual Visual Arts Show & Sale. This annual gathering, a testament to personal initiative and collaborative community spirit, underscores how local organizations can effectively cultivate cultural enrichment without excessive bureaucratic hurdles. By empowering artists and fostering a welcoming environment, such events become vital catalysts for regional growth and individual expression.

Scheduled to illuminate the Silver Coast Winery in Ocean Isle Beach, NC, this highly anticipated event is a prime example of how grassroots efforts can lead to significant civic innovation. It offers residents and visitors alike a unique opportunity to engage directly with the creative output of their neighbors, reinforcing the powerful bonds that art can forge within a community. Supporting events like this not only champions local achievement but also contributes to the broader economic and cultural vitality of the Brunswick County area.

Celebrating Local Talent in Ocean Isle Beach

The Brunswick Arts Council’s 26th Annual Visual Arts Show & Sale is set to open its doors from February 28 to March 9, 2026, at the picturesque Silver Coast Winery, located at 6680 Barbeque Road in Ocean Isle Beach, NC. This annual exhibition, which traces its origins back to 2000, consistently seeks new venues each year, demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to reaching diverse audiences within Brunswick County. The event is free and open to the public during the winery’s regular operating hours, providing accessible engagement with the arts for everyone.

A Diverse Showcase of Creative Works

Artists participating in the show are invited to submit original works, encompassing a wide array of media including ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, woodworking, and glassworks, or even a combination of these forms. To ensure a fresh and contemporary exhibition, entries must have been created within the last three years, specifically from 2022 to 2025, and not have been previously displayed at the BAC Annual Art Show. This commitment to presenting new works highlights the continuous evolution and innovation within the local arts scene.

Recognizing Artistic Excellence and Community Values

A significant highlight of the show is the presentation of awards, with over $4,000 in prizes distributed across various categories. The judging for the 2026 show will be led by Lourdes Rosas Rasdall. Artists can compete in several categories designed to recognize diverse artistic expressions, including “Best of Flora and Fauna,” “Best Use of Light & Color,” “Best Landscape and Seascape,” “Best Composition,” “Best Narrative,” “Best Abstract,” “Most Creative,” and “Best Realism”.

The Art & Vine Party and Special Awards

The Awards Reception, known as the “Art & Vine Party,” is scheduled for Friday, March 7, 2026, from 5-7 PM at the Silver Coast Winery, offering an opportunity for artists and art enthusiasts to connect and celebrate achievements. This year introduces a special “First in Freedom” award, a Brunswick County recognition sponsored by the Brunswick Arts Council, which encourages art submissions themed around “Freedom” in commemoration of America’s 250th Anniversary of independence. This initiative subtly blends artistic expression with civic pride, encouraging reflection on foundational values.

Empowering Artists and Fostering Growth Through Support

Beyond being a showcase, the 26th Annual Visual Arts Show & Sale also serves as a crucial fundraiser for the Brunswick Arts Council. The Council will retain a 10% commission on all art sales, with these funds directly supporting local artists and providing valuable scholarships. This self-sustaining model demonstrates a practical approach to fostering an thriving arts community, emphasizing private support and individual contribution.

Community Engagement and Fundraising Initiatives

Artists are also encouraged to contribute to the fundraising efforts by creating and donating 4×4 mini art pieces. These unique small artworks will be available for purchase, with proceeds further bolstering the Council’s scholarship and artist programming. An additional donation option allows for on-site framing of these mini art pieces, further enhancing their value and the fundraising potential. Raffles will also be part of the event, extending beyond the show dates to the end of March 2026, with winners announced in early April 2026. These innovative fundraising strategies highlight the entrepreneurial spirit of local arts organizations.

Broadening Participation: Who Can Exhibit?

The exhibition is open to adult artists aged 18 and older who are residents of Brunswick County, or those who are paid members of various local art associations, including the Art League of Leland, Associated Artists of Southport, Oak Island Art Guild, Waterway Art Association, Coastal Carolina Camera Club, Wildlife Artists of the Carolinas, or the Brunswick Arts Council. In a forward-looking move to encourage emerging talent, Brunswick County Teens, specifically those in rising 9th grade up to age 18, are also eligible to participate in a dedicated Teen Category. This inclusive approach ensures that a wide range of voices and perspectives are represented, fostering a pipeline of future artistic leaders.

The Brunswick Arts Council: A Pillar of Community Enrichment

The Brunswick Arts Council (BAC) operates with a mission to support, sustain, enhance, and cultivate the arts throughout Brunswick County. Their objective is to ensure that cultural events, arts education, and an appreciation for the arts are accessible to all county residents. The BAC works to inspire creativity, foster a vibrant and inclusive community, and provide resources and opportunities for collaboration.

Impact and Outreach Beyond the Annual Show

The Council’s commitment extends beyond the annual visual arts show. They are designated partners of the NC Arts Council for distributing Grassroots Arts Program funds, demonstrating a successful public-private partnership model. Through partnerships with the NC Arts Council and Brunswick County, the BAC has provided significant ongoing arts support, exceeding $1,500,000 in various programs. The estimated impact of this investment in art for the 175,000 residents of Brunswick County surpasses $2,758,295. Their extensive programs include Grassroots Grants, Quick Arts Grants, Regional Individual Artist Grants, Art Scholarships for college-bound high school students, support for annual festivals such as the BC Intercultural Festival and the NC 4th of July Festival, and the provision of art supplies and workshops for teachers and classrooms. They also actively support initiatives like the Veterans Creative Arts Program (VCAP). These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to community well-being that extends far beyond a single event, fostering a robust and engaged populace.

Engage and Support Local Arts

The 26th Annual Visual Arts Show & Sale by the Brunswick Arts Council is more than just an exhibition; it is a vibrant expression of local initiative and the enduring power of community. By showcasing the talent of Brunswick County artists, fostering educational opportunities, and building strong partnerships, the BAC exemplifies how focused civic engagement can lead to tangible benefits for all. We encourage everyone in the Myrtle Beach SC events sphere and surrounding areas to visit the Silver Coast Winery between February 28 and March 9, 2026, to experience this unique display of local artistry. Your participation, whether as an attendee, an aspiring artist, or a supporter, directly contributes to the flourishing of our regional cultural landscape and strengthens the fabric of our community. Learn more about Brunswick County arts and consider how you can further support local artists South Carolina and community events NC to continue this vital work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dates and location for the 26th Annual Visual Arts Show & Sale?

The 26th Annual Visual Arts Show & Sale will be held from February 28 to March 9, 2026, at Silver Coast Winery, 6680 Barbeque Road, Ocean Isle Beach, NC.

Who is eligible to participate in the Brunswick Arts Council’s 26th Annual Visual Arts Show & Sale?

The show is open to adult artists aged 18 and older who are residents of Brunswick County or paid members of specific local art associations. Brunswick County Teens (rising 9th grade to just age 18) are eligible for a dedicated Teen Category.

What types of art are accepted for exhibition?

Accepted media include ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, woodworking, glassworks, or a combination of these forms. Entries must be original works created within the last three years (2022-2025) and not previously shown at the BAC Annual Art Show.

What is the purpose of the 4×4 mini art pieces?

Artists are encouraged to create and donate 4×4 mini art pieces as part of the fundraising efforts. Proceeds from the sale of these pieces support the Brunswick Arts Council’s scholarship and artist programming.

What is the mission of the Brunswick Arts Council?

The Mission of the Brunswick Arts Council is to support, sustain, enhance and cultivate the arts in Brunswick County making cultural events, arts education and appreciation of the arts available to the diverse range of county residents.

Key Features of the Brunswick Arts Council’s 26th Annual Visual Arts Show & Sale

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