About the Exhibition
In honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence the City of Southport, the Fort Johnston-Southport Museum & Visitors’ Center, and the Brunswick Arts Council invite the community to explore how art, identity, and history intertwine throughout our collective American experience.
Crafting the American Story: Art, Identity, & History celebrates the boundless creativity of Americans—past and present—while recognizing the power of artistic expression to shape, reflect, and challenge our collective narrative.
This exhibition will showcase the creativity of Brunswick County artists while exploring how art reflects and interprets our nation’s history. Through the graphic arts, sculpture and handcrafts, visitors will encounter works that engage with themes of resilience, cultural identity, and the diverse perspectives that enrich our shared story.
What You’ll Discover
The exhibition highlights how creativity has shaped and been shaped by American history over the past 250 years. From responses to adversity and change, to celebrations of cultural heritage, the works on display will show how art captures, or was influenced by, the complexity of the American experience.
The show invites both artists and audiences to reflect on:
- How historical events inspire creative expression
- The power of art and handicraft as a storytelling medium
- The inclusion of perspectives often missing from familiar narratives
- The ways resilience, identity, and innovation converge to shape our future
As part of the program, America 250 NC will present a One Day Wonder traveling exhibit “To Preserve the Blessings of Liberty: State Constitutions of North Carolina.” Featuring copies of the 1776 State Constitution and Declaration of Rights, the 1868 State Constitution, and a letter from John Adams known as “Thoughts on Government,” the exhibit explores North Carolina’s three state constitutions and key amendments, examining how they reshaped ideas of citizenship and expanded, or restricted, participation in the state’s political life. This exhibit will be available for a limited time on opening day only.