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
SeaGreen Gallery is an independent, family-owned gallery that offers plenty of beautiful local art for you to explore, from floor to ceiling. Find unique antiques, natural art, repurposed vintage items, jewelry, soy candles, and more! It's easy to spend a day perusing everything that they have to offer while finding your new favorite piece! If you're looking for a creative souvenir, this is also the perfect place to visit and get a gift for your loved ones back home.
SeaGreen Gallery
2404 S. Virginia Dare Trail
Nags Head, NC 27959
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.
Seaside Art Gallery
2716 S Virginia Dare Trail,
Nags Head, NC 27959
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.
Glenn Eure’s Ghost Fleet Gallery
210 E. Driftwood St. (in Gallery Row)
Nags Head, NC 27959
DAY 2: MANTEO ART GALLERIES
No trip to Manteo is complete without a visit to the Dare County Arts Council curated gallery. Located in the Dare County Courthouse, you can enjoy a brilliant look at their specialty exhibitions, learn more about over 100 local and national artists, and participate in workshops year-round that are taught by both local and national artists. With a rotating exhibition schedule, no two trips to this gallery are the same!
Dare County Arts Council Gallery
300 Queen Elizabeth Street
Manteo, NC 27954
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.
The Andrus Gallery & Studio
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.
Silver Bonsai Gallery
905 US Highway 64
Manteo, NC, US, 27954
DAY 3: PAINT YOUR OWN POTTERY AT STUDIO 12 in Avon
Paint today and pick up tomorrow! No appointments necessary. Make mosaic boards, paint your own pottery, throw your own pottery in the studio, and try your hand at guided glass fusion projects. Studio 12 also offers daily project classes beginning at 3pm. Contact the studio for information and to sign up. If you've ever wanted to work with clay, build a bowl by hand, make your own soap, or fabricate your own jewelry, Studio 12 is the best place to do it on the Outer Banks! With so much to do on Hatteras Island, make a day of it! And enjoy an hour out of your day working with your hands and learning from the best. And when you're finished, stop by the Swept Away Cafe for seriously some of the best cupcakes you will ever have. Take it from us, you'll be thinking about a Carolina Cupcakery sweet treat for years to come.
Studio 12 Avon
41008 NC-12
Avon, NC 27915
DAY 4: DUCK AND COROLLA ART GALLERIES
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.
The Duck Gallery was established in July 2024 by Liz McBain in hopes of highlighting local artists. Come take a look at local art, paintings, drawings, sculptures, and jewelry! Partnered with Tar Heel Trading Company, come celebrate local art that highlights the OBX tradition of creativity and art culture.
Tar Heel Trading Company & The Duck Gallery
1171 Duck Rd.
Scarborough Lane Shoppes
Duck, NC 27949
An Outer Banks icon since 1969, the Seadrog 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.
Seadragon & Yellowhouse Gallery
1240 Duck Rd
The Waterfront Shops in Duck
Duck, NC 27949
DAY 5: Visit The Ginger Gypsea OBX & Bus 252
No artist or art lover's trip to the Outer Banks is complete without visiting The Ginger Gypsea OBX & Bus 252, a mobile art gallery and shop featuring recycled and natural element art 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 pop-up art gallery!
You can find out exactly where the Bus 252 is by messaging Buffy or checking their Facebook here!
Bus 252
Recycled & Natural Elements Artist
https://www.facebook.com/TheGingerGypseaOBX
DAY 6: PEA ISLAND & NATIVE AMERICAN ART
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
While you're exploring Hatteras Island, don't miss out on the chance to explore the art and history of the people who lived here before with the Frisco Native American Museum! Located in a building with a section dating back to 1880, the Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center contains a nationally recognized collection featuring art, pottery, weavings, baskets, weaponry, jewelry, stonework, and MUCH more! This is a must-see for any art aficionado hoping to make the most of their OBX vacation! Plus, Seaside Vacations guests can enjoy 10% off admission with our Club Seaside program.
Frisco Native American Museum
53536 NC Highway 12
Frisco, NC 27936
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)
