Artists Invited to 'Echoes of Place' Juried Show at Fort Fisher, Aug 1–15

There's something powerful about art made in conversation with history — and this summer, New Hanover County artists will get a rare chance to exhibit their work inside one of the Cape Fear region's most storied landmarks. The Island Arts Council is calling on local creatives to submit original works for Echoes of Place: Artists' Reflections of New Hanover County, a brand-new juried exhibition that will transform Fort Fisher State Historic Site into a gallery celebrating the landscapes, stories, and spirit of this corner of North Carolina.

If you're an artist working in the county — or a resident who simply loves supporting local creative talent — this is one to circle on the calendar.

Event Summary

Echoes of Place is a free, juried fine art exhibition running August 1–15, 2026, at Fort Fisher State Historic Site in Kure Beach. The show invites New Hanover County artists to submit original 2D and 3D works inspired by the county's sense of place — from its Indigenous roots and Civil War history to its modern coastal identity. Awards will be announced August 1, 2026, with cash prizes in multiple categories.

Fast Facts

• Exhibition Dates: August 1–15, 2026
• Awards Ceremony: August 1, 2026
• Location: Fort Fisher State Historic Site, 1610 Fort Fisher Blvd S, Kure Beach, NC 28449
• Admission: Free to the public
• Submission Window: March 1–June 1, 2026 (deadline)
• Artwork Drop-Off: July 30, 2026
• Organizer: Island Arts Council (www.islandartscouncil.net | (910) 458-8434)
• Categories: Painting, photography, printmaking, drawing, sculpture, mixed media
• Cash Prizes: $250 each for Rooted in History 2D, Best in Show 3D, and Historical Interpretation; People's Choice gift card TBD
• How to Enter: Submit via Entrythingy.com; full prospectus at islandartscouncil.net

What to Expect

Visitors to the exhibition will find a curated collection of original works — all created within the past three years — spanning a wide range of media. Expect paintings, sculptures, photographs, prints, drawings, and mixed-media pieces, each offering a distinct artistic lens on New Hanover County's character and history.

The show is juried by Gayle Tustin, with historical consultation from Dr. Jan Davidson, ensuring both artistic quality and thematic depth. Up to 100 artists from across the county are being welcomed to submit, so the final exhibition could feature dozens of works offering a rich, layered portrait of the place we call home.

The setting itself is part of the experience. Fort Fisher's Civil War-era grounds provide a dramatic backdrop that connects the artwork to centuries of regional history — from early Indigenous presence through the port city's growth into the community we know today.

Why It's Worth Your Time

This is the inaugural edition of Echoes of Place, making it a milestone moment for the Island Arts Council and the broader Cape Fear arts scene. Launching a new juried exhibition with cash prizes and a venue as significant as Fort Fisher signals real investment in elevating local artists and drawing cultural visitors to Kure Beach.

The economic ripple matters, too. Cash awards put money directly in artists' hands, free admission lowers barriers for families and tourists, and the exhibition positions Pleasure Island as a cultural destination during the height of summer season. It's part of the Island Arts Council's expanding 2026 programming, which also includes healing workshops and other community-focused creative events across the Wilmington area.

For artists, the June 1 submission deadline is approaching — this is your window to participate in something new and meaningful.

Practical Details

Fort Fisher State Historic Site offers on-site parking. The site's standard hours are Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and the site is closed Sundays, Mondays, and state holidays — check with the venue or the Island Arts Council for confirmed exhibition hours closer to August.

Artists should review the full prospectus at www.islandartscouncil.net and submit entries through Entrythingy.com before the June 1 deadline. Accepted artists will be notified by June 15, with artwork drop-off scheduled for July 30.

For questions, contact the Island Arts Council at (910) 458-8434 or visit their website. Whether you're submitting a piece or planning a summer afternoon trip to Kure Beach, Echoes of Place is a welcome new reason to celebrate the art and history woven into New Hanover County's identity.