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Children’s art stations, live music, art vendors, dance and theatre performances, food vendors and more family-friendly fun will be featured at Dowdy Park in Nags Head from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 18 during the 32nd annual Artrageous Kids Art Festival.

Artrageous will feature numerous free art stations where children can make their own glass suncatchers, sensory bottles, paper kites, printmaking cards, refrigerator magnets, chalk art and other fun creations. Attendees also can visit with local firefighters, take home or donate books at Sherry Smalley’s “Book it with Joy” station and get their favorite designs painted on their hands.

“Artrageous is truly OUTrageous,” said glass artist Jack Horst. “Where else do you have the chance to help so many kids design and create their own masterpieces while demonstrating the science behind the art? As an artist, the answer is only at Artrageous. I am looking forward to making glass suncatchers with the kids.”

This year’s event theme, Be You! You’re An Original, encourages children to celebrate being themselves while creating original artwork.

The theme and poster artwork were created by Outer Banks native Barry Lee, an illustrator, muralist and storyteller now residing in Atlanta, Georgia. Lee grew up with Nager syndrome and used drawing as a distraction from medical appointments. Over time, Lee learned that drawing was a form of healing and he has since turned his “distraction” into a career.

Local artisans will be selling their work, including at the Young Artist Village, which provides a venue for students to sell jewelry, paintings, stickers and more.

“Growing up, I painted with my family a lot and really enjoyed it,” said student artist Charlotte Nultemeier. “That sparked my interest in painting and made me want to explore creating art with different materials. I am excited about Artrageous because it is my first booth all by myself. I can’t wait for people to enjoy my creations. I also love to promote my stickers because they help raise money for the North Carolina aquarium.”

Performers will include the Dare2Care Shredders, Donna Roark’s Shadow Players with Drama Mama, Atlantic Dance, students from Ascension Music Academy, the Mustang Outreach Program and Leslie Erickson’s music school.

OBX Frozen Yogurt, Island Snowball and Sweet and Salty Popcorn will be selling treats onsite all day.

Additional parking for Artrageous will be available at Nags Head Elementary School.

Artrageous organizers will follow all federal and state guidelines relating to COVID-19 health and safety, while providing a high-quality experience, stated a press release. Hand sanitizing stations will be available and masks are encouraged at locations where social distancing is not possible, such as vendor and craft tables.

Presented by PNC Bank, the Artrageous Kids Art Festival is Dare County’s longest-running kids art program.

“Dare County Arts Council thanks the Don & Catharine Bryan Cultural Series, Blick Art Materials and Bea Basnight for sponsoring Artrageous,” stated a DCAC press release.

This project is supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and is sponsored by the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau.

For more information about the event, visit DareArts.org/artrageous or call 252-473-5558.

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