Weather The Storm - A Mixed Media Courtyard Installation by Lara Parks

The upcoming events in downtown Manteo feature two captivating exhibitions: "Weather The Storm" by Lara E. Parks and "Southern is Feeling, A Visual Telling of Rural NC."

"Weather The Storm," a mixed media installation by Lara E. Parks, will be displayed in The Courtyard from July 3 through fall, with an opening reception during the First Friday festivities on the same day. This installation creates an immersive experience, engaging viewers with light, sound, and natural movements that evoke the emotional highs and lows of daily life. Lara, a mixed media artist with a BFA in Textile Art, invites the public to interact with her art in a new way, challenging traditional display methods and fostering a connection with nature.

Simultaneously, "Southern is Feeling" explores themes of community and place through the works of various North Carolina photographers, documenting rural life across the state. The exhibition, featuring artists like Peter A. Bodigor, Aaron Canipe, and others, will be on display in the Courtroom Gallery at Dare Arts from July 4 to August 29, 2026, with an opening reception on July 3 from 6 PM to 8 PM, where visitors can meet the photographers.

Both exhibitions celebrate the interplay of art, community, and environment, making for an enriching cultural experience in Manteo.