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College of The Albemarle (COA) has announced an exhibition of works by Dawn Dickson Van Ness. “This is Not An Art Show” will open on August 16, 2024 in the Professional Arts Building at COA – Dare.

According to Van Ness, she uses found objects, paintings and installations to explore life as an artist – from the pressure to be legitimized by commercial success to internal hang-ups. “This is Not An Art Show” leads the viewer through the steps it takes to fully identify as an artist in a sometimes humorous, sometimes serious, visual exploration.

Van Ness shared, “I’ve always found it funny and frustrating that to be acknowledged as an artist I needed to be legitimized by sales or the higher art community, but to seek commercial success somehow nullifies me as a legitimate artist. The commercialized artist and art works that reached and inspired me are not to be modeled. It’s enough to make you crazy. Pursuing art with a capital A, art that is supposed to be experienced, is fraught with existential issues. Be commercial, but not too much. Be an Artist, but not too much. Support yourself, but not with your art. Be known, but not popular. Be known, but only after you’re dead. How can a thinking artist create and thrive in this world? How should I be an Artist?”

The exhibition will run from August 16 until September 13, 2024. The gallery is on the second floor of the Professional Arts Building at COA – Dare, located at 205 Highway 64 S in Manteo. It will be open to the public Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The artist reception, which is open to the public, will be held on Thursday, August 22 from noon to 1 p.m. at COA – Dare.

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