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From Beaufort County Arts Council

The Beaufort County Arts Council announces that Interim Executive Director Kelly Shanafelt is stepping down from her position.

Kelly joined the Arts Council during a time of intense transition and helped guide the organization to stable ground. With operations, programming, and finances now stabilized, the Arts Council is ready to search for its next long-term leader.

Kelly leaves the Arts Council in extremely capable hands, with Performing Arts Director Ethan Wolf and Visual Arts Curator Bronté Labbé leading an exciting lineup of events and programs throughout 2025.

In January, audiences will enjoy the Winter Performance Camp’s production of “Legally Blonde, Jr. the Musical,” showcasing incredibly talented youth on January 31st and February 1st. This hilarious and toe-tappingly fun show is supported by funding from the Washington Noon Rotary.

Following that, on February 7th, 8th, and 9th, the original play “The Green Book” will be showcased. Presented in collaboration with East Carolina University’s School of Theatre and Dance and featuring a mix of student and professional actors, this play tells a unique story from the movie of the same name. The play centers on a Black family running a Green Book site in
the 1940s, facing danger to protect their community. Playwright Calvin Alexander Ramsey will be present at all performances to engage in Q&A sessions with audiences. This production is supported by funding from the North Carolina Arts Council and the Washington Rotary.

For movie enthusiasts, the 2025 CinemaPass program is available. Every 4th Thursday of the month throughout 2025, a classic film will be screened at the Palace Theatre, starting on January 30th with the all-time favorite “His Girl Friday.” Tickets for each film are $10, and for just $100, you can purchase the CinemaPass and attend all twelve screenings.

In January the Turnage Main Gallery will feature an exhibition of local painter Betty Crompton’s artwork, showcasing her French Impressionist-inspired landscapes influenced by Claude Monet and honoring her legacy with a reception. While the Lane Gallery hosts “Fresh Perspectives,” an exhibit celebrating creativity and bold ideas. The call for submissions, focusing on smaller-scale
works for our hallway spaces, will open after Christmas.

In February, the Gallery will showcase a portrait collection by “Mike” James Bennett, winner of Best of Oils in the Alice Hubbard Stallings 60th Annual Juried Fine Arts Exhibition. A graduate of Oak City High and a scholarship recipient to the North Carolina School of the Arts, Bennett’s work celebrates life through vibrant portraits.

Additionally, the Arts Council’s monthly “Night Out” events will continue in 2025. These $5 events offer a cost-effective way for the community to engage in the arts, and feature Karaoke, Trivia, Spoken Word Open Mic, and Board Game nights in the Gallery.

Questions about upcoming programming at the Beaufort County Arts Council and the Turnage
Theatre may be directed to info@artsofthepamlico.org or 252-946-2504.