The picturesque beach surroundings in the Outer Banks have been an inspiration for artists for centuries. From the tip of Corolla all the way down to Hatteras Island, it’s not hard to figure out why these beautiful barrier islands have produced a vibrant arts community.
Whether you’re a passionate art enthusiast and you have your eye on a particular artist or you’re a beach lover looking to take a little piece of the island life back home with you—we’ve got the scoop on where to go to find the best art on the islands.
Enjoy this quick guide to Outer Banks art galleries and have fun finding your one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
Gallery Row Arts District
Conveniently located in the heart of Nags Head, the Gallery Row Arts District is an eclectic local community of galleries, boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, and more. Here you’ll find everything from fine art galleries and traditional art shops to handmade jewelry, pottery pop-ups, and so much more. There’s always someone new showing off their latest and greatest creations!
True art enthusiasts should pencil in Roll & Stroll, the Art District’s signature summer event, which takes place on the second Thursday in July. The entire district stays up late for this evening event that celebrates the island’s rich art history. Peruse local galleries and meet local artists, participate in fun family crafts, enjoy live music, and snack to your heart’s content!
A few of the district’s top art galleries include Cloud Nine, Melvins Studio, Seagreen Gallery, and Seaside Art Gallery.
A trip to Gallery Row is an absolute must for art enthusiasts and souvenir shoppers alike! The waterfront shops are both charming and convenient.
Top Outer Banks Art Galleries
Outside of the Arts District, the Outer Banks islands are home to several other galleries where you’ll find a diverse array of mediums and expansive gift shops to stock up on unique souvenirs.
Ghost Fleet Gallery
Address: 210 E Driftwood St, Nags Head, NC 27959
Phone: (252) 441-6584
Website: https://www.glenneureart.com/
For local artists Glenn Eure and his wife Pat, making art is a way of life. The couple has been creating OBX-inspired art for well over 30 years and decided to create a permanent shop and gallery in the heart of Nags Head. Glenn’s work is iconic and he has commissioned several public pieces that you will notice up and down the OBX coastline, including the Kitty Hawk Monument to a Century of Flight. In his studio, Glenn showcases his various mediums including ink and watercolor, oil canvas, woodcuts, etchings, and mixed media. Studio hours are seasonal, so be sure to call in advance to be sure the gallery is open.
Dolphin Watch Gallery
Address: 793 Sunset Blvd # B, Corolla, NC 27927
Phone: (252) 453-2592
Hours: 10 am – 5 pm, Monday – Saturday; Closed, Sunday
Website: http://www.dolphinwatchgallery.com/
Dolphin Watch Gallery showcases a wide array of original Outer Banks art. Established in 1993, Dolphin Watch has been a local favorite for over 25 years. The eclectic selection features everything from oil and watercolor paintings and custom stained glass to mosaics, handmade jewelry, and more. Work is presented from a variety of local artists, and the variety truly can’t be beaten! Come and view local art to pick out a unique souvenir to take home.
Yellowhouse Gallery/Sea Dragon Gallery
Address: 1240 Duck Rd unit 106, Duck, NC 27949
Phone: (252) 441-6928
Hours: Seasonal
Website: https://seadragonyellowhousegallery.com/
Variety is the spice of life at Yellowhouse Gallery and Sea Dragon Gallery. Though this local art gallery does focus on highlighting Outer Banks and North Carolina artists, they also feature work from artists across the nation. This unique gallery was two separate galleries for several years but was united under one owner a few years ago. The expansive galleries are right next door and house everything from photography, glasswork, metalwork, pottery and ceramics, driftwood, paintings, jewelry, and more. Yellowhouse and Sea Dragon are great galleries if you’re looking to find a few unique pieces of North Carolina art to help you remember your time in OBX.
Muse Originals OBX
Address: 4622 N Virginia Dare Trail, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
Phone: (252) 564-2038
Hours: 11 am – 6 pm, Wednesday – Saturday; 11 am – 4 pm, Sunday; Closed, Monday – Tuesday
Website: https://museoriginals.com/
Locally owned and operated by Ami xxx, Muse Originals is a relatively new addition to the art community but has quickly made a name for itself. The eclectic space is located in an old firehouse, though it has been completely renovated into a stunning gallery and shop. The impressive collection showcases art from more than 75 local and regional artists. Muse Originals is an excellent option for art enthusiasts looking for handmade gifts and souvenirs with a bustling beach backdrop.
Dare County Arts Council
Address: 300 Queen Elizabeth Ave, Manteo, NC 27954
Phone: (252) 473-5558
Hours: 10 am – 5 pm, Tuesday – Friday; 12 pm – 4 pm, Saturday; Closed, Sunday – Monday
Website: https://www.darearts.org/
Located in beautiful Manteo, the Dare County Arts Council might not be a traditional “gallery”, but their passion for showcasing and preserving local art does not go unnoticed! A nonprofit, the council operates as an arts and craft gallery for both established and emerging local artists. Art rotates often and includes everything from wood design, fiber art, paintings, pottery, glasswork, and much more. Stop by and peruse the current exhibits or stop by for one of the council’s many exciting art events.
Pea Island Art Gallery
Address: 27766 NC-12, Kinnakeet, NC 27959
Phone: (252) 216-5647
Hours: 10 am – 5 pm, Monday – Saturday; Closed, Sunday
Website: http://www.peaislandartgallery.com/
Situated on the south end of OBX, we promise a venture is Pea Island Art Gallery is well worth the effort. Located inside a historic replica of a Chicamacomico life-saving station from the 1800s, this gallery is unique as it is diverse. Here, you’ll find sculptures, paintings, hand-made pottery, photography, woodwork, garden art, and much more from over 100 local and regional artists. Full of personality and charm, this seaside gallery is a delightful and historic experience.
Bonus: Blue Pelican Gallery
Address: 57762 NC-12, Hatteras, NC 27943
Phone: (252) 986-2244
Hours: 10 am – 5 pm, Monday – Saturday; Closed, Sunday
Website: http://www.bluepelicangallery.com/
The Blue Pelican Gallery isn’t a true art gallery per se, but we felt it was unique and artistic enough to include on our list. A ‘must’ for DIY and local craft enthusiasts, Blue Pelican offers a diverse array of island-inspired gifts and crafts, all of which are hand-made by local artisans. Here, you’ll find everything from homemade candles, jewelry, clothing, home decor, accessories, bags, and more, making it the perfect spot to stock up on gifts and souvenirs.
DIY Art Experiences
Are you looking for a fun and artistic family activity? If so, check out a few of these ‘DIY’ art experiences!
Local Color
Address: 510 Hunt Club Dr suite d, Corolla, NC 27927
Phone: (252) 564-8737
Hours: 11 am – 8 pm, Monday – Saturday; Closed, Sunday
Website: http://localcolorobx.com/
A fun twist on the traditional wine paint classes, Local Color ads their own local flair with their signature “Lushes with Brushes” events. Visitors can peruse the calendar and book a spot in a painting class or come and purchase a one-of-a-kind piece of art by Meghan Sadler, studio owner.
Hang 12 Art
Address: 3105 N Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Phone: (252) 255-2314
Hours: 11 am – 6 pm, Tuesday – Saturday; Closed, Sunday – Monday
Website: http://www.hang12art.com/
Owned and operated by Brad Price, local OBX artist, Hand 12 specializes in wine painting parties, pet portraits, and general group painting classes. Visitors can also peruse Brad’s gallery or commission a custom portrait.
OBX Art Studio
Address: 2200 N Croatan Hwy, Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
Phone: (252) 449-2134
Hours: 10 am – 6 pm, Daily
Website: http://obxartstudio.com/
A DIY paradise, OBX Art Studio is family-friendly and offers classes for a variety of art projects, including jewelry making, pottery, canvas painting, and more. This particular studio is great for groups and families.