THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 1, 1995 TAG: 9509280190
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 07 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MARY ELLEN RIDDLE
LENGTH: Long : 105 lines
EVERY YEAR, photos and news clippings are added to Kerry Oaksmith-Sanders' black Artrageous scrapbook.
The memorabilia she's collected represents years that Oaksmith-Sanders has dedicated to the annual art festival sponsored by the Dare County Arts Council.
It also represents seeds for cultural growth. And the profits reaped may someday turn into a youth center for local children.
Every summer, Dare County folks mark their calendars for the first weekend in October - the annual date of the Artrageous Art Extravaganza.
It's fun. It's creative. It's a chance to participate in the fast-growing Outer Banks cultural scene. It's always different.
Artrageous is in its sixth season, but Oaksmith-Sanders and a multitude of volunteers have come up with fresh ideas annually.
Historically, the event has focused on children. Face painting; a poster contest; creative booths with bubble art, weaving, bead work, and hat-making have all shown up on past agendas.
Some of those activities will be repeated this year, but new highlights have been added to broaden the festival's appeal.
More than 25 artists and galleries have responded to the call to show and sell their work. Adults - mostly parents and volunteers - have always come to the festival, but this new feature should bring in a wider age spectrum and also give children a new opportunity.
``It's good exposure for kids - the artistic atmosphere,'' said Artrageous co-chair Ticia Valentine.
Children usually have less gallery contact than adults, she explained. This year, they'll witness demonstrations and get exposed to local art.
``I love it,'' Valentine, a local grade school art teacher, said about Artrageous. ``It helps me maybe validate what I do for a living. I teach art and the importance of having it in your life.''
A group of 13 children will participate in the historic 10-by-10 painting in the round. In the past, 10 artists - usually adults - have set up canvases and rotated them every so often so each could add a personal touch.
Last year's 10-by-10 was given over to children artists. It was so successful that it will be repeated.
The music and performance vein also has strengthened.
``I think the main difference is that there will be an open mike where older and younger folks from the community can demonstrate their talents,'' said volunteer Dan DeGregory.
Local percussionist Al Bailey will perform with his ensemble.
DeGregory will play some tunes with ``Kelly's Heroes.'' The Manteo Middle School Jazz band will return. Storytelling will be on tap again with local children's author Suzanne Tate.
Probably one of the biggest changes of all comes in the location of the festival. This year marks the opening of the Dare County Arts Council's first office. The festival will be the first to christen the parking lot of the Nags Head Central Square office.
Local restaurateur and longtime art supporter Mike Kelly will kick off the festivities.
While Artrageous has benefited from many generous donations from the business community, Oaksmith-Sanders said it was harder this year to get support.
She said she's been involved with Artrageous for four years and worked as chair for the last three. A local business owner and mother of two small children, Oaksmith-Sanders puts in at least 100 volunteer hours to plan and implement Artrageous. She is also in her third year as an arts council board member.
Each year she has to call on the community for donations. It's hard for someone so dedicated to take rejection.
Oaksmith-Sanders was met by some closed doors when she began canvasing this year. She became disheartened.
``People should welcome me,'' said Oaksmith-Sanders. ``That's the only way we're gonna succeed as a community. I wish I had the money to fund the whole thing.''
But when Oaksmith-Sanders runs into folks like Sue Burns at We're Art, who willingly frames posters to be auctioned during the weekend; Norm Martinez at Nostalgia, who contributed heavily this year; and die-hard contributors like Mitch and Christine Lively at Morales and the Bennetts at Birthday Suits - she becomes inspired.
So she starts cold calling again, with renewed vigor.
While Oaksmith-Sanders sees her commitment to Artrageous as a permanent one, she plans to pass on the leadership role in 1997. She thinks new blood may help bring more support.
The faces have changed over the years in the clippings fastened in the Artrageous scrapbook. Volunteers come and go. But consistently there has appeared the warm, smiling face of Kerry Oaksmith-Sanders.
``I'll always be involved,'' she said. ``It's kind of a passion to see this youth center go. Plus I just love the event.''
When you walk through the Artrageous event this year, look carefully. You'll see intent youthful faces creating. There are no frowns here, no pacing bodies, no whimpering children.
And thanks to generous community support, there will be no growling tummies. Who knows where it will lead?
One thing's for sure: It's always Artrageous! ILLUSTRATION: Photo by MARY ELLEN RIDDLE
Kerry Oaksmith-Sanders, center, and Ticia Valentine, second from
right, co-chair the Artrageous Extravaganza, which features the
works of various young artists.
by CNB