Welcome to the Beaufort Art Center blog! Thank you for checking us out and taking an interest in the arts in and around Beaufort NC. I hope to publish an entry twice every month, maybe more but hopefully not less. Who am I? My name is Sarah, a writer, a baker, sometimes an actor, and always a lover of arts and culture. I've lived in and around Beaufort for almost my whole life. I've helped to organize and cater two art shows at the BAC, Juan Baldera's "The Devil Between Us," and "Because the Sky Is Blue," featuring Shannon Kemp, Trista Hudzik Reynolds, and Christal Weatherly.
Most residents of Beaufort-by-the-Sea will be quick to tell you how lucky they are to live in Beaufort. There's a beautiful historic district with tree-lined streets, no two houses alike; some body of water is never far away, and it's all infused with a small-town atmosphere, a calming break from the frenetic pace of the rest of the world. We have so much here in terms of history and heritage, and yet as a young woman who has spent most of my life here, I feel oftentimes we are lacking in something just as important as rest and relaxation, beautiful homes and a laid-back attitude: we lack art.
This is not to say that we live on the edge of civilization or anything. We do have arts-focused organizations in and around Beaufort; I was fortunate enough to become involved in the Carteret Community Theatre at a young age, and that has made an immeasurable impact on my growth not only as an artist but as a person. I know I'm not the only person who feels that with so much potential in Beaufort, with so much natural beauty and good foundations, our town could be some place that's more than just pretty to visit, and relaxing to stay: Beaufort could be all-around spectacular, if only we make the commitment to get it there.
Fortunately, we've got the Beaufort Art Center to help make that happen. Housed in the historic Old Masonic Lodge at 204 Turner Street, the Beaufort Art Center is many things. It's an event center, a gathering place, a classroom and a meeting hall. It's a printmaking shop, a dance studio, an art gallery and a stage. It's a place that welcomes new ideas, fresh perspectives, lively discussion and civil debate. But most of all, the Beaufort Art Center is a blank canvas. Step up to it with a vision, and a desire to see your vision through, and it's amazing what can happen, even in a sleepy little town by the sea.
