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By ELLEN BRABO / For the Washington Daily News

The Beaufort County Arts Council (BCAC) is gearing up for the opening of the Alice Hubbard Stallings 59th Annual Juried Fine Arts Exhibition, scheduled for this Friday, Nov. 3 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The exhibition, held at the Historic Turnage Theater, promises an evening of art, appreciation, and celebration, showcasing the talents of local artists in Eastern North Carolina.

“The exciting point about this show is that not only can you compete for prizes and win awards, but you also have the opportunity to sell your artwork throughout the holiday season,” said Bronté Labbé, the BCAC Visual Arts Director. “It is going to be a fun night of celebrating art and supporting our local artists.”

This year marks a significant milestone for the exhibition, as it is named in honor of Alice Hubbard Stallings, a passionate artist and founding member of BCAC. The event has been made possible through a generous contribution from Stallings’ family, elevating the show to new heights and increasing the cash prize awards. Stallings’, who had a deep love for art, the historic city of Washington, and Eastern North Carolina, exhibited her creations throughout her life, culminating in a Retrospective at the Turnage in 2018.

“All of her family inherited her love and appreciation for the arts,” shared her daughter Emma Stallings, reflecting on her mother’s legacy. “This show in her name is a way for her family to continue her work and spread her love and appreciation for the arts beyond our family.”

The exhibition will feature original artworks created within the last two years, never shown at a BCAC exhibition. Artists will compete in various categories including Oils/Acrylics, Mixed Media, Watercolors, Pastels, Graphic/Digital Art, and 3D, with total awards amounting to $6,900 in cash and sponsored merchandise. The prestigious Best of Show cash prize is set at $2,000.

“This show keeps her alive for us,” expressed Stallings’ daughter Mary Ruth Hanna. “Leading up to this event, we have been looking at her art, selecting photos of her and sharing stories. It’s as if we have been hanging out with her. Something she would have very much enjoyed.”

The juried process, taking place on Nov. 1, will determine the winners, and the awards, along with juried critiques, will be presented during the opening reception at 6 p.m. on Nov. 3 in the theater. The exhibition will run until January 6th, providing art enthusiasts ample time to appreciate the local talent.

Local businesses have played a vital role in enhancing the exhibition, contributing resources from food to florals, creating an exceptional experience for attendees. BCAC expects to feature over 200 pieces this year, a testament to the thriving arts community in Beaufort County.

“We hope that the Stallings family has a great experience and that each year we continue to grow this exhibit to reach beyond just Washington and Beaufort County,” expressed Stacy Sumner Jesso, consultant with Sumner Madison Consulting and an avid BCAC volunteer. “We’d love for this show to be recognized by artists as one they want to participate in every year.”

For more information, visit the BCAC website at www.artsofthepamlico.org or contact them at (252) 946-2504.