Southport Magazine

Franklin Square Gallery, in collaboration with the Southport Wooden Boat Show, is pleased to announce the 15th Annual Wooden Boat Show Poster Contest. Local artists are invited to submit their artwork for judging in this annual event.

With so many examples of wooden boats in this area, artists are often attracted to depicting local watercraft. By highlighting working vessels, such as the area’s iconic shrimp boats, or its sailboats, skiffs or dinghies, the winning entry will celebrate the beauty and heritage of the wooden boat in the Coastal Carolina region. The winning poster will also be featured in advertising for the Show, commemorative t-shirts, and a special exhibit at Franklin Square Gallery. 

Some examples of previous years’ winning posters are on permanent display at the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Southport. Additionally, at the 15th annual Southport Wooden Boat Show to be held Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, a tent will be provided for the winning artist to sign posters purchased there. All proceeds support the boat show.

Those who submit entries must be general or exhibiting members of Franklin Square Gallery. For membership details, see the Franklin Square Gallery website at https://www.franklinsquaregallery.com/, or contact Kim Kirk, membership chairperson, at creativespirit@ec.rr.com.

Submittals will be accepted at Franklin Square Gallery from April 17-23, with the winning entry to be selected on April 24. Artwork not selected may be exhibited at the Gallery for the September First Friday Gallery Walk and for the reminder of the month.  Additional information regarding contest requirements is available on the Gallery website, or by contacting Carol Kidd, contest coordinator, at carolskis@earthlink.com.

Franklin Square Gallery is located at 130 E. West St. in Southport’s historic downtown area. The Gallery features original art and pottery on display and for sale, and is open to the public, free of charge, from 10 am to 5 pm, Monday through Saturday.