The Outer Banks is known for its local "flavor" - fresh seafood, unique shopping, and southern charm. But did you know that we've also got tons of local art galleries and studios? Here you'll find a wide variety of art created by local and regional artists. From paintings, photography, and pottery to jewelry, glass, wood, ceramics, fibers, candles, and more, the art scene on the Outer Banks is a plethora of local talent. Below are seven different activities perfect for artsy folks:
DAY 1: NAGS HEAD ART GALLERIES
Seaside Art Gallery exhibits the work of local and contemporary artists as well as a wonderful selection of art by such masters as Picasso, Chagall, Whistler, Icart, Renoir, and many others. Sculpture, porcelain, and art glass by Hummel, Staffordshire, and Tiffany are represented. They are also a preferred gallery of Disney St., Warner Bros., and Hanna Barbera animation art. Seaside Art Gallery has a constantly changing exhibit of over 2,000 original works of art and the authenticity of all art is fully guaranteed.
2716 S Virginia Dare Trail,
Nags Head, NC 27959
Glenn Eure’s Ghost Fleet Gallery
In business for over 30 years, this gallery of original art is where the traditional and the avant-garde converge and where the artist welcomes visitors. In a building of his own design, Glenn Eure displays his work in a variety of media including dimensional watercolors, sculptural oil canvases, etchings, collagraphs, and woodcuts. Gallery also features sculptures, wood turnings, and clay work by guest artists and special exhibitions.
210 E. Driftwood St. (in Gallery Row)
Nags Head, NC 27959
DAY 2: MANTEO ART GALLERIES
The Andrus Gallery & Studio is located on the waterfront in historic downtown Manteo. Nestled among dining, shopping, and many nautical historic displays, all within walking distance from the studio, you can share Steve's love for the water in this very unique environment. The gallery displays Steve's paintings as well as houses his studio. Steve is always working on new watercolors and would be happy to explain how he works. Stop by the studio, say hello, and feel free to come back often.
1127 Burnside Road
Manteo, NC 27954
Silver Bonsai Gallery on Roanoke Island is the joint creation of goldsmiths Ben & Kathryn Stewart. Their gallery is a reflection of the couple's unique sense of style in Art & Design. Housing a wide variety of beautifully handcrafted fine jewelry, local and regional arts and fine crafts, and an impressive collection of Bonsai Trees, the Silver Bonsai is a fascinating destination while visiting the Outer Banks.
905 US Highway 64
Manteo, NC, US, 27954
DAY 3: PAINT YOUR OWN POTTERY AT GLAZIN' GO NUTS
Stop in and have fun creating your own Outer Banks souvenir! There are hundreds of items to choose including frames, plates, mugs, surfboards, pirate items, and more! You paint it, we glaze and fire it in our kiln and then you take it home! Enjoy a cup of fresh brewed coffee or latte while you paint from the Front Porch Café next door. Fresh baked cookies every day. Open every day 10 am - 6 pm. No reservations are necessary. Plus, Seaside Vacations Guests will receive a 20% discount (on bisque only - not on studio fee).
OBX Art Studio
2200 North Croatan Hwy.
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
DAY 4: DUCK AND COROLLA ART GALLERIES
With two distinctive locations in Duck and Corolla, Tar Heel Trading Company has been bringing American handcrafts to the Outer Banks since 1979. Offering a wide variety of functional and decorative accessories for the home, office, and garden, enjoy pieces created by local and nationally known craftsmen. From wall décor to waterfowl carvings and designer jewelry to kaleidoscopes, you're sure to find something you will love. Plus, everything is carefully selected and reasonably priced.
1171 Duck Rd.
Scarborough Lane Shoppes
Duck, NC 27949
790-F Ocean Trail
Timbuck II Shopping Village
Corolla, NC 27927
Ocean Treasures Art Gallery & Gift Shop
Ocean Treasures is an excellent gallery with over 150 pieces of artwork on display including paintings and sculptures. Enjoy shopping at a gift shop with over 5,000 gift items including pieces from the following artists - Robert Wyland, Thomas Kinkade, Guy Harvey, Mark Keathley, Walfrido Garcia, and Dan Mackin.
1171 Duck Rd.
Scarborough Lane Shoppes
Duck, NC 27949
Seadragon & Yellowhouse Gallery
An Outer Banks icon since 1969, this gallery offers antique prints, maps, local artist originals and Outer Banks historic and scenic photographs. The gallery highlights work by Ray Matthews, E.M. Corsa, Hudson Williams, Linda Browning, Robin Rogers, EveTurek, Karen Watras, Judith Bailey and more.
The Waterfront Shops in Duck
1240 Duck Rd
Duck, NC 27949
DAY 5: Visit the Muse252 Bus
No artist or art lover's trip to the Outer Banks is complete without visiting the Muse252 Bus, a mobile art gallery and shop featuring "an eclectic mix of local art and handmade goodness" all along the Outer Banks, from Corolla to Buxton. This converted school bus features art, handmade gifts, handblown glass, jewelry, and apparel made by local artists. The bus can be found at concerts, weekly events, and restaurants up and down the Outer Banks throughout the year, meaning that wherever you're staying on the Outer Banks, there's a good chance that the bus will be nearby during your stay! Come check out some of the amazing local artists and artisans at the popup art gallery and don't forget to order an OBXOXO Gift Box for the beach lover in your life.
You can find out exactly where the Muse252 Bus is by checking their calendar here!
Muse Originals Bus252
Roving Artisan Collective & Outer Banks Local Art Gallery
(252) 256-2091
ami@museoriginals.com
DAY 6: PEA ISLAND ART GALLERY
Please join us in supporting the Pea Island Wildlife Refuge and the Historic Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station. We're excited to feature Unique Jewelry, Photography, Mixed Media, Glass, Pottery, Wood, Fiber, Sculpture, Garden Art, Original Paintings and reproductions as well as Etchings & Hand Pulled Original Prints Hand-Made by over 100 Local and Regional Artists. Come Enjoy the Fun ~ It's a Delightful Experience Celebrating Creativity!
Pea Island Art Gallery
27766 NC-12
Kinnakeet, NC 27959
DAY 7: KDH COOPERATIVE GALLERY & STUDIOS
A truly local gallery in the cooperative heart of the Outer Banks artists community whose mosaics, pottery, paintings, jewelry, sculpture, candles and collages are uniquely handmade. Classes are offered year-round and working studios are available to tour while artists are working. Guests can also watch the blacksmith at work at his forge. Take home a piece of the Outer Banks made right here by those that live in the area.
KDH Cooperative Gallery & Studios
502 South Croatan Highway
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(milepost 8.5 on the bypass)