Last year, Dare Arts created a new plein air event called Fresh, which brought artists from all over the east coast to the Outer Banks, and after the event’s success in 2025 the nonprofit is bringing it back September 2-4, 2026.
Plein air (open-air) is a style of painting that originated in 19th Century France, where artists take to the outdoors to find inspiration for their work.
Dare Arts Vice President David Beal was encouraged by the enthusiasm from last year’s event.
“The first year of our Fresh – A Plein Air Event was a great success,” said Dare Arts Vice President David Beal. “Participating artists had wonderful weather, and many specifically mentioned how much they enjoyed meeting other painters from across the region. The work that was submitted last year included beaches, lighthouses, boats, marshes, gardens, and street scenes…it was a great representation of the diversity and beauty that Manteo and the Outer Banks offer for painting en plein air. I am looking forward to seeing many of the artists from last year again this September.”
Artist Nancy Fine from Maryland says she can’t wait to return to the Outer Banks this year for Fresh.
“At Dare Arts’ plein air event last year, every artist felt welcomed,” said 2025 Fresh Excellence Award recipient Nancy Fine. “It was a fabulous, well-run event and their gallery in Manteo is gorgeous. I loved every minute of the event, and can’t wait to return.”
Artists wishing to participate in Fresh can find the prospectus and register to participate online at DareArts.org/fresh. Artists can also call the Dare Arts Gallery at (252) 473-5558 to register over the phone. The Dare Arts member entry fee is $60 and non-member entry fee is $70, and the entry fee must be paid at registration.
Award-winning representational artist Jeremy Sams from Archdale, NC will judge Fresh in 2026. His primary subject matter is landscapes while working in acrylics. He is currently a member of the Plein Air Painters of the Southeast and North Carolina Plein Air Painters and he is also the founder of the Fellowship of Plein Air Painters. Sams will also be teaching a two-day plein air workshop at Dare Arts the week of the event. Workshop registration will be open on his website (JeremySams.com) soon. Please note that the workshop registration is separate from the event registration.
“It’s an honor to be a part of the event,” said Sams. “In the workshop we’ll explore the foundational principles of creating a successful plein air painting through composition, values, atmosphere and the effects of light.”
Artists who participate in the plein air event will have their work displayed in an exhibition at Dare Arts.
There will be an opening reception for the exhibition from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Friday, September 4 at Dare Arts. The reception will take place during First Friday in downtown Manteo and is free and open to the public.
The Fresh exhibition will remain on display in the Courtroom Gallery during normal gallery hours September 5-25, 2026.
Businesses or individuals interested in sponsoring the event or awards should contact Dare Arts Executive Director Jessica Sands at DareArtsInfo@gmail.com.
This project is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural & Cultural Resources.
For more information about this event, visit DareArts.org/fresh or call Dare Arts at (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.
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