North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is beloved for its miles of pristine shoreline and picturesque coastal towns, but the charm does not end there. Local artists and craftspeople extend Brunswick Islands’ beauty beyond the beach to the art galleries, markets, and festivals where they showcase their one-of-a-kind works of art. Whether you are interested in immersing yourself in the local arts scene, in search of a special souvenir, or want to learn how to make your own coastal-inspired art from the experts themselves, let’s explore some of the arts and crafts destinations across NC’s Brunswick Islands!

Art Galleries

After a day in the sun, spend an afternoon exploring the many art galleries in the Brunswick Islands. With galleries located all along the coast, your next opportunity to discover local art is closer than you think.

Visitors to the town of Southport will be especially delighted to find multiple art galleries along the oak-lined side streets and nestled in between Victorian-style homes. One community favorite is the Artisans Gallery on Howe. The gallery encourages visitors and passersby to learn about various art techniques from their local artists during “Art on the Porch” demonstrations throughout the year. Whether you are looking to pick up a new hobby or hoping to perfect your craft, their artisans are happy to chat. Then step inside and browse the work of over sixty local artists!

The non-profit Franklin Square Gallery, located in Franklin Square Park, is another Southport favorite. From seasonal art shows to featured artist exhibitions, this two-story gallery is full of beautiful surprises. The gallery’s next themed show, the Southport Maritime Art Show, will run this fall from October 21 through November 2, but new art is added regularly so make sure to stop by.

The local artists of Franklin Square Gallery are also the originators of Southport’s art-loving tradition, the “First Friday Gallery Walk.” Connoisseurs and curious minds alike are invited to pop into participating galleries to speak with featured artists, all while enjoying complimentary wine and appetizers. Gallery walks take place the first Friday of every month between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. (Note: First Fridays are not held in the months of January, February, and July). Some of the participating galleries include the Ricky Evans Gallery, Bardani Gallery Artists, Lantana’s Gallery & Fine Gifts, and the Artisans Gallery on Howe.

Located further south in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands is Sunset River Gallery. This 10,000 square foot gallery contains the work of over 100 local and regional artists and has called the town of Calabash home for over 20 years. You’re sure to find a piece that speaks to you on its artwork adorned walls which rotate with new work every six to eight weeks. In addition to welcoming those in search of beautiful art, the gallery regularly hosts classes, workshops, and demonstrations for those looking to develop their own skills.

For a complete list of art galleries, including boutiques and art shops in NC’s Brunswick Islands, check out the map below:

Festivals

Stunning art and craftmanship can’t be contained in the Brunswick Islands. Here creativity spills out onto the streets at the many family-friendly festivals taking place throughout the year!

Come fall, local artistry is on display in the Brunswick Islands. The 17^th annual Sunset at Sunset block party in Sunset Beach will welcome nearly 100 local vendors and artisans in a celebration of community creativity on October 5. There will be no shortage of shopping opportunities with unique handmade gifts, artisanal products, and gorgeous works of art lining the paths in Sunset Beach Town Park. This all-day, fun for the entire family, event will also have children’s activities and food trucks on site.

Just a few weeks later, on October 19^th, Ocean Isle Beach will host the North Carolina Oyster Festival. This two-day event is the seafood festival of the year in the Brunswick Islands, but it also comes with a side of local crafts and artistry. Dozens of vendors selling painted glassware, soaps, woodcrafts, handcrafted clothing, and more will be there.

If you haven’t gotten your fill, you won’t have to wait for more than a few day before the NC Festival by the Sea kicks off in Holden Beach on October 26. This two-day festival features live music, food vendors, and of course, local art. Get up close to the pieces that catch your eye or walk along the Holden Beach Bridge to take in one of the many Brunswick Islands views that inspired their artists. This event is a fantastic one for the whole family.

The Southport Plein Air Festival is another truly special event that takes place in the Brunswick Islands. For three days in the spring, artists from across the country gather in Southport to paint “America’s Happiest Seaside Town” en plein air. You’ll find it hard to miss the artists happily answering questions from captivated onlookers while painting in every nook and cranny across Southport. The festival’s final day wraps up with additional programming including artisan demonstrations, live music, kids plein air art, and its famous wet paint sale. More information on 2025 dates to come, so check back here later!

While in town, check out nearby Oak Island to see more work from local artists on the Oak Island Public Art Trail. From fantastical driftwood sculptures to eye-catching murals, the stops across the island are sure to ignite your inner creative spark.

Markets

Outdoor markets are a summertime staple in the Brunswick Islands and they’re also fabulous places to support local crafters and artisans. From handcrafted jewelry, photography, gifts, and more, your suitcase will be full of goodies ready to take back home. For more information on these seasonal and free outdoor markets visit our blog or head to our events page.

Make Your Own

Ready to roll up your sleeves or pick up a paintbrush? There are many opportunities to do so in NC’s Brunswick Islands, starting with the seashells you collect on your daily beach walk. Check out our blog to learn how to create your own coastal crafts.

Sometimes the best souvenirs are the ones you make yourself. Below are just a few of the many creative opportunities, classes, and workshops you and your group can participate in while visiting the Brunswick Islands.

• Enjoy a “Paint & Party” at Sunset River Gallery; the perfect evening activity to bring the girls together over a glass of wine and a good time.
• Take an all tools included, beginner’s level, stained glass class at Mystical Reflections in Calabash.
• Choose from a variety of classes, such as garden steppingstones, mixed media abstracts, and dichroic jewelry, at Seascape Designs in Ocean Isle Beach.
• Take a break and paint some pottery at Vincent Van-Go Pottery Painting & Gifts (formerly Cappuccino by the Sea) in Holden Beach. This activity is fun for all ages and perfect for families with young children.
• Attend a workshop at Pescado y Amor in Oak Island and discover new art styles such as batik and abstract.
• Join the Waterway Art Association artists at Bellinger Artworks Studio in Calabash for a class on painting fundamentals or join the association’s plein air painting group for a day.

Feeling inspired? Now it’s your turn to explore the arts and crafts destinations that capture the beauty of North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands! Visit ncbrunswick.com to start planning.