Pole Banner Project
In 2023, The City of Southport, Up Your Arts and Downtown Southport, Inc. launched the 'Raise Up Your Arts' Pole Banner Project to highlight the city as an arts destination, elevate the visibility of local artists and enhance the visual appeal of downtown streets.
Raise Up Your Arts!
Step into the vibrant heart of Southport's central business district, where the enchanting work of fourteen local artists comes alive on vinyl banners adorning the city's utility poles. The "Raise Up Your Arts" pole banner project is intended to celebrate and showcase the incredible talent of our region's artists.
Our bustling streets transform into an open-air gallery for these remarkable artists, each carefully chosen through a competitive, juried contest held earlier this year.
The competition attracted over 60 submissions from talented Brunswick County artists, testifying to the abundant artistic flair that thrives within our community.
Indulge your senses as you stroll through the streets of Southport, exploring our city’s creative soul through this captivating display. Let the eclectic artwork of the "Raise Up Your Arts" project serve as a reminder of the incredible talent that resides right here in our beloved community.
Learn About the Artists
Click on an artist's banner below to learn more about them.
Katie Dorsett-Dye
Framing the Unseen Beauty of Southport Through Her Lens
Welcome the world as seen through the lens of Katie Dorsett-Dye, a fiercely talented photographer whose snapshots capture the true essence of our vibrant Southport community.
Katie is one of 14 local artists selected by jury to represent the spirit and talent of Southport Artists in the Raise Up Your Arts Pole Banner Project, on display throughout 2023.
Background
Katie has been an Oak Island local for the past three years. However, her journey with the camera extends further back, spanning over a decade of experimentation, learning and developing a unique perspective. Since moving to OKI, she has beautifully merged her passion for photography and her love for the local area.
Her discerning eye has led to impressive displays of her work, not just in exhibitions, but also in the unexpected corners of everyday life – restaurants and stores around Oak Island and Southport. In these spaces, Katie's photography adorns walls and invites spectators into her world of incredible views and emotions.
Preferred Medium
Photography is Katie's tempo, her rhythm. She captures the fleeting, brings forth the hidden and presents it to the world, making tangible the often intangible moments of local beauty.
The Banner
As 2023 unfolds, Katie's artistic banner will appear above the streets of Southport. Experience Southport like you never have before, through Katie's lens, where each frame is more than just a photograph—it's a story, a moment, and a celebration of our beloved town.
Barbara Sammons
An Alphabet of the Artistic Expressions of Barbara Sammons
Barbara Sammons is a master of multiple disciplines whose artistic skill has transcended genres, painting the world with strokes of watercolor, the click of a camera's shutter, and the elegant flow of the written word.
Barbara is one of 14 local artists selected by jury to represent the spirit and talent of Southport Artists in the Raise Up Your Arts Pole Banner Project, on display throughout 2023.
Background
After relocating to Southport seven years ago, Barbara quickly immersed herself in the vibrant arts scene, participating in numerous craft markets and leaving an impact on the community. Her diverse talents have seen her gracefully glide between roles such as watercolor artist, photographer, and handcrafted lettering artisan, leaving a trail of masterpieces that speak to her skill.
Preferred Medium
Barbara's preferred medium of watercolor allows her to communicate delicate intricacies and a sense of movement that enchants her audience. The captivating ideas she captures are the product of skilled hands and a keen mind.
The Banner
As the year 2023 unfolds, the streets of Southport will be adorned with Barbara Sammons' hand-lettered banner, capturing the essence of her artistic repertoire, distilled into an image celebrating our great town!
Rich O'Donnell
A Palette of Passion: Rich O’Donnell’s Paintings Invite You In
Rich O'Donnell masterfully captures the essence of the North Carolina coast, breathing new life into familiar subjects and making them his own.
Rich is one of 14 local artists selected by jury to represent the spirit and talent of Southport Artists in the Raise Up Your Arts Pole Banner Project, on display throughout 2023.
Background
Rich brings a unique lens to quintessentially Southport subjects: inviting seascapes, tranquil landscapes, forgotten boats, and time-encapsulated historic scenes. Masterfully painting them into existence, he tells deep narratives that create waves of inspiration from his canvas to the observer's heart.
As a member of the Associated Artists of Southport, the Wilmington Art Association, and the American Society of Marine Artists, Rich's talent is not just recognized, it resonates deeply within these prestigious art circles.
Preferred Medium
When it comes to his chosen medium, Rich boldly chooses a vivid palette of acrylic paints. Armed with his brushes, he skilfully follows his vision, creating artworks that are as powerful as they are beautiful.
The Banner
Catch a breeze of Rich O'Donnell's artistry waving high on the banners of Southport’s streets in 2023. Let each glimpse be a teaser to his world of imagination, transcribed cleverly and elegantly by his expert hand.
Anne McElroy
Capturing Southport's Soulful Charm with Anne McElroy
Immerse yourself in the captivating work of Anne McElroy, a remarkable artist whose soulful interpretation of Southport's scenic beauty shines through her oil paintings.
Anne is one of 14 local artists selected by jury to represent the spirit and talent of Southport Artists in the Raise Up Your Arts Pole Banner Project, on display throughout 2023.
Background
A native New Yorker, Anne relocated to Southport six years ago, finding its scenic and wildlife variety a never-ending source of inspiration. Her passion for capturing the distinct charm of Southport is a testament to her deep connection with the area.
A proud member of both the Franklin Square Gallery and The Joseph Bardani Studio, Anne combines her oil painting expertise with her unique perspectives and artistic flair to create pieces that invoke a deep appreciation for the locale.
Preferred Medium
For Anne, oil paint is more than just a medium—it’s the lifeblood of her artistry. She utilizes its flexibility and depth, orchestrating a subtle blend of color and texture that delivers a loving tribute to her surroundings.
The Banner
As her evocative banner adorns the streets of Southport in 2023, passersby will be invited to share in Anne's artistic vision, captured in dynamic strokes of oil. This outstanding display is not just a tribute to Anne's artistic talents but also an ode to Southport - an artistic hub adorned by the creativity of its native artisans.
Linda Platt
A Tapestry of Textures and Hues: The Artistic Journey of Linda Platt
Linda Platt beautifully embraces chaos and orchestrates it into harmonious masterpieces.
Linda is one of 14 local artists selected by jury to represent the spirit and talent of Southport Artists in the Raise Up Your Arts Pole Banner Project, on display throughout 2023.
Background
A seasoned painter and potter, Linda has been sharing her artistry with Southport for 25 beautiful years. Her works are not just paintings; they are invitations to explore a world woven by dabs, strokes, colors, and textures. Her artistic contribution extends beyond her individual pieces as she is also the co-owner of the Artshak in Southport, thus making her integral to Southport's thriving art scene.
Preferred Medium
Linda's creativity blooms in the realm of mixed media. She deftly employs a plethora of materials from paints, paper glazes, and found objects to hand-made papers, creating a dynamic interplay of textures that give her works a vibrant, tactile quality. These aren't just colors and textures on a canvas; they are layers of stories waiting to be unfurled by hearts ready to receive them.
The Banner
We invite you to feast your eyes on Linda Platt's thought-provoking banner adorning the streets of Southport throughout 2023. Experience the tangible intensity of her mixed-media creations that unravel surely but steadily, much like a well-kept secret. Each stroll around our picturesque streets brings you one step closer to a unique dialogue with the mastery of local artisans like Linda Platt.
Gay Rosenberg
A Romance with Clay: Gay Rosenberg's Ceramic Tales
Gay Rosenberg is the artisan whose love affair with the potter's wheel began with a single step into the world of ceramics.
Gay is one of 14 local artists selected by jury to represent the spirit and talent of Southport Artists in the Raise Up Your Arts Pole Banner Project, on display throughout 2023.
Background
The journey to becoming an accomplished ceramic artist was an unexpected detour for Gay. Upon retiring and moving to Southport, she stumbled upon pottery, embracing it with open arms into her newfound life. Lacking any prior experience in the art form, Gay discovered her innate ability to breathe soul into clay, crafting objects that strike a chord in onlookers' hearts.
Gay's ceramic creations, showcased in her Pole Banner Project collection, embody the inherent flow and depth that define the spirit of Southport. Translated through the spinning of the potter's wheel and the touch of her skilled hands, each piece resonates with the harmonious ambiance of the town.
Preferred Medium
It is within the world of ceramics that Gay Rosenberg has found her artistic voice. Her delicate touch and inherent understanding of her chosen medium bring about creations that are both stunningly practical and artfully mesmerizing.
The Banner
Witness the symphony of clay and color unfurl throughout 2023 on the streets of Southport, as Gay's ceramic works transform the everyday into the extraordinary—orchestrating a delicate dance between art and purpose, and creating a legacy cast in earth and fire.
Harry Burrell
A Symphony of Light and Color: The Stained Glass Creations of Harry Burrell
Harry Burrell is a remarkable artist whose stained glass masterpieces evoke a delicate dance of light and color.
Harry is one of 14 local artists selected by jury to represent the spirit and talent of Southport Artists in the Raise Up Your Arts Pole Banner Project, on display throughout 2023.
Background
For nearly four decades, Harry has devoted his talent to crafting intricate stained glass windows and large suncatchers, cementing his affinity with the Art Nouveau movement. A true master in his art form, Harry instills new life into classic stained glass techniques, inviting observers into a world of captivating luminosity.
In addition to his long-standing artistic journey, Harry may be familiar to the Up Your Arts family, having recently contributed to the "Southport, Open Your Doors!" art show and auction by showcasing his exceptional talent with glass on one of the doors.
Preferred Medium
A skillful practitioner of classical stained glass, Harry primarily employs the Tiffany copper foil method, resulting in breathtaking creations that guide the viewer's eyes through an enchanting interplay of light and color. The mesmerizing light and color of Harry's stained glass creations remind us of the beauty that can be found in the union of traditional techniques and modern inspiration.
The Banner
Prepare to be captivated by Harry Burrell's luminous artwork displayed on the streets of Southport throughout 2023. His banner will shine a brilliant kaleidoscope of colors on our city, an effect that can only be achieved through the hands of a true artist.
Kate Magill Walters
Best Blend: Kate Magill Walters, Her Canine Companion, and Southport in the Morning
Meet Kate Magill Walters - a master of the still frame, and proof that the early bird gets the best photos.
Kate is one of 14 local artists selected by jury to represent the spirit and talent of Southport Artists in the Raise Up Your Arts Pole Banner Project, on display throughout 2023.
Background
Kate traded the bustling streets of midtown Manhattan for the serene coastal charm of Southport in 2015. Her connection to the region is not new, rather a cherished tradition stemming from childhood visits to Holden Beach with her family. Together with her husband John and black Labrador, PJ, they continued the tradition, finding irresistible allure in the peaceful seaside village that now they call home.
The source of her artistic spark? A birthday gift camera and the breathtaking views she encounters during her morning walks with PJ. Under the mentorship of Stacie Walters in a photography class, Kate infused her art with the divine beauty of mundane mornings and hasn't paused since. Today, she shares her work at The Artisans Gallery on Howe.
Preferred Medium
Kate’s camera is an extension of herself. Through her lens, Kate Magill Walters invites you to experience the rhythm of Southport, immersing you in picturesque narratives that inspire you.
The Banner
Kate Magill Walter is proof that a place can be both one's muse and home, inspiring creativity and joy. As you wander through the streets of Southport, keep an eye out for her banner.
Pam Manders
Weaving a Legacy with a Contemporary Twist
Pam Manders is a fiber artist who embraces the time-honored craft of rug hooking, imbuing it with a modern sensibility to create unconventional artistry.
Pam is one of 14 local artists selected by jury to represent the spirit and talent of Southport Artists in the Raise Up Your Arts Pole Banner Project, on display throughout 2023.
Background
With roots in the traditional fiber arts, Pam's journey began in 2007 when she started working with diverse materials on foundation materials. With a flair for innovation, she has refined her style, embracing methods that harmonize the craft's utilitarian past with a contemporary imagination.
In a bold reinterpretation of rug hooking, Pam draws inspiration from 1800s techniques but updates her designs to reflect the nuances of the modern world, all while transforming a blank canvas into emotive and captivating works of art.
Preferred Medium
Pam's palette comes to life when using her preferred medium, wool fabric, which she affectionately calls her "paint." Her materials range from recycled wool from deconstructed clothing and textured wool, to hand-dyed wool, each contributing to the richness of her creations.
The Banner
Strolling down the streets of Southport in 2023, you may encounter the distinct craftsmanship of Pam's art, showcased through her evocative, fiber-creation on her banner. This work invites the viewer to appreciate the rich tapestry woven at the intersection of tradition and contemporary art, inspiring a renewed appreciation for timeless skills, boldly reimagined.
Susan Chandler
Embracing Southport's Spirit Through Texture and Color
Susan Chandler is a passionate artist who has turned her retirement into a second spring rich with creative inspiration. Susan's journey with the arts in Southport is one marked by love, inspiration, and unbridled creativity.
Susan is one of 14 local artists selected by jury to represent the spirit and talent of Southport Artists in the Raise Up Your Arts Pole Banner Project, on display throughout 2023.
Background
Susan chose North Carolina as her retirement haven in 2015, and it didn't take her long to fall in love with Southport's stunning landscapes and enchanting wildlife. Encouraged by the welcoming local art community, Susan jumped headfirst into painting, immersing herself in the vibrant world of colors and textures - an artistic adventure that she continues with unabated enthusiasm!
In the captivating beauty of Southport, Susan found her muse. She seeks to capture these eye-catching views that so entranced her, and share them on canvas.
Preferred Medium
Susan works her magic primarily with water-based oil paints. This medium allows her to whirl a wondrous palette of hues across the canvas, resulting in creations that truly mirror the vibrant beauty of Southport.
The Banner
As you wander through the streets of Southport throughout 2023, we urge you to take a minute to appreciate Susan’s beautiful banner. Her evocative artwork serves as an open invitation to view Southport through her unique perspective—capturing the ephemeral and immortalizing it on canvas.
Sidney Godwin
Crafting Narratives in Color: Sidney Godwin's Artistic Legacy
Sidney Godwin is a name synonymous with an exquisite mastery of color and form.
Sidney is one of 14 local artists selected by jury to represent the spirit and talent of Southport Artists in the Raise Up Your Arts Pole Banner Project, on display throughout 2023.
Background
Sidney's contribution to the art world transcends his individual creations; he has touched countless lives as a retired art professor and former director of The Center for the Visual Arts. With a professional exhibiting history that spans over 40 illustrious years, Sidney's artistic journey is a testament to ceaseless innovation and unfading passion.
Sidney's artistry has left indelible marks not only in Southport but also far beyond its borders. His work graces the hallowed collections of esteemed establishments spanning across the US and Europe, such as Pfizer Corp., Rutgers University, and the Mariners Museum.
Preferred Medium
Specializing in painting, Sidney weaves complex narratives using his brushes and colors. Each stroke stands as a testament to his profound understanding of the visual language, transforming blank canvases into riveting visual tales. His bold mixtures of cool and warm color tones bring depth and beauty to the canvas. His art is more than mere decoration - it's a vivid conversation where every color has its say.
The Banner
As Southport unfurls the panorama of 2023, a stroke of Sidney Godwin's genius will adorn our streets. You're warmly invited to partake in this visual celebration, where Sidney's banner will not only elevate the aesthetics of our streets but will also create a dialogue between the viewer and the viewed.
Gary J. Mlynek
A Dance of Wood and Imagination: The Artful Creations of Gary Mlynek
With each piece he creates, Gary Mlynek seeks to unveil the soul residing within every piece of wood.
Gary is one of 14 local artists selected by jury to represent the spirit and talent of Southport Artists in the Raise Up Your Arts Pole Banner Project, on display throughout 2023.
Background
While he had worked with wood for many years, retiring and relocating to North Carolina twelve years ago marked the beginning of Gary’s distinctive foray into the local art world. Drawing inspiration from nautical themes, nature, and animals, each of his creations tells a story.
Gary's creative process starts with designing an original, full-size drawing on paper, reminiscent of his early days as a design draftsman and technical illustrator. The selection of wood for its color, texture, and grain is the key element to bringing his drawings to life.
Preferred Medium
For Gary, wood has always been regarded as a unique and beautiful medium. He loves showcasing the myriad captivating hues and intricate patterns found within the natural material.
The Banner
As Southport's streets transform into an open-air gallery in 2023, seize the opportunity to admire Gary Mlynek's captivating work through the Raise Up Your Arts Pole Banner Project.
Gail Simon
Lessons from Behind the Easel with the Artistic Stylings of Gail Simon
Gail Simon takes us to school as this remarkable artist expertly weaves together the essence of coastal landscapes and local landmarks.
Gail is one of 14 local artists selected by jury to represent the spirit and talent of Southport Artists in the Raise Up Your Arts Pole Banner Project, on display throughout 2023.
Background
With a Bachelor of Education in Art from the University of Miami and years of experience as an art teacher in Brunswick County Schools, Gail's passion for art is truly evident. Now, as a retired educator, she delights in fusing architecture, local landmarks, and coastal themes, unearthing beauty and joy from the most ordinary and extraordinary settings alike, where the mundane becomes magnificent beneath her skillful brushstrokes.
Preferred Medium
While she is trained in many mediums, Gail prefers painting with oil paints. The illustrious medium lends her artwork a rich, vibrant quality, as she breathes life onto canvas, capturing the magic of Southport and beyond.
The Banner
As a captivating finale to Gail Simon's artistic story, embrace her mantra: the world around us is brimming with inspiration, just waiting to be transformed into vibrant works of art. Venture through the streets of Southport in 2023 to discover the transcendent beauty of Gail's banner.
Christie Jacks
Painting the Visions of Life in Southport
Christie Jacks is an artist whose work embodies not just beauty, but also a depth of emotion that resonates with the viewer’s soul.
Christie is one of 14 local artists selected by jury to represent the spirit and talent of Southport Artists in the Raise Up Your Arts Pole Banner Project, on display throughout 2023.
Background
Christie's rich background in art spans the gamut from Kansas City Art Institute, and the School of Visual Arts, New York, complemented by studies in Botanical Illustration from New York Botanical Gardens. Her diverse experiences range from a 10-year tenure as Art Director at CBS, New York, to freelance graphic designing under Hadley Graphics, and culminating in stained glass design and fabrication in Designs in Glass. Having moved to Winding River, North Carolina 12 years ago, Christie has turned her artistic endeavors toward painting, pouring her heart into each piece she crafts.
Today, she serves as a distinguished member of the Franklin Art Gallery, adding her prestige to the collective. Her artistry has been recognized with awards, including the Wooden Boat Show, Southport 2016, and the First Prize at Waterways Art Show, Sunset River Gallery.
Preferred Medium
Christie's preferred medium, oil, facilitates a profound expression of her vision. The versatility of oil paints allows her to capture the fluidity of life on her canvas, ranging from the intricate details of a single leaf to the grandeur of maritime landscapes.
The Banner
The journey of Christie Jacks' art completes a full circle, from the canvas in her studio to the streets of our beloved town. As 2023 unfolds, Southport will proudly display her banner above the streets. Let each glance at it serve as an inviting gateway into her evocative world, leaving a clever and lasting impression of her profound talent.
Cool & Fancy Too!
The selected artists were further honored at the 2nd Annual Cool & Fancy Gala!
Learn more about this annual event from Up Your Arts, and check out the photos from the event wrap-up
Brought to You By:
Up Your Arts, the City of Southport, and Downtown Southport, Inc. (DSI), jointly sponsored the undertaking to highlight the city as an arts destination, elevate the visibility of local artists, and enhance the visual appeal of downtown streets. The banners will remain in place all summer and fall. Sponsors expect to repeat the competition with a new round of banners next spring.