26 August 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CITY OF SOUTHPORT
City of Southport and Brunswick Arts Council Announce Call for Artists: Crafting the American Story: Art, Identity, & History
Contact:
Jessie Labell, Assistant Director, Department of Community Relations
910-457-7927 O | 910-269-7183 C
Southport, NC – The City of Southport, in partnership with the Brunswick Arts Council, is excited to announce that the Fort Johnston–Southport Museum & Visitors’ Center is inviting local artists to apply for Crafting the American Story: Art, Identity, & History, an exhibition celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The exhibition will open February 21, 2026, at the Southport Community Building.
Open exclusively to artists residing in Brunswick County, the exhibition will celebrate the ways art reflects and interprets American history. From painting and sculpture to handcrafts and other creative forms, artists are encouraged to submit works that engage with historical themes, cultural identity, and the resilience and vision that have shaped the nation over the past 250 years.
Applications are due by November 1, 2025. Selected works will be announced December 15, 2025, and the exhibition will run February 21–28, 2026. Full details about the event can be found on the City of Southport website at www.cityofsouthport.com/crafting-the-american-story and the artist application form can be found at www.eventeny.com/events/vendor/?id=35676.
An optional county-wide exhibition opportunity will extend select works beyond the Southport showcase. Chosen pieces may be displayed at partner locations across Brunswick County from March 7, 2026, through February 20, 2027, offering artists increased visibility and engagement with diverse audiences.
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About the Museum
The Fort Johnston–Southport Museum & Visitors’ Center, owned and operated by the City of Southport, is housed within the historic Garrison House, built in 1810 on the site of the original colonial fort. The museum offers rotating exhibits, Southport heritage displays, and serves as a welcoming hub for tourists exploring our local history and coastal charm.
About the Brunswick Arts Council
The Brunswick Arts Council works to support and promote the arts throughout Brunswick County, fostering opportunities for creativity, cultural expression, and community engagement.
