Southport Magazine

Here’s a good reason for young people to take a break from the new school year and get outside with a camera, paints or pencil and capture our community’s beauty and fun. Katie Dorsett-Dye of Katie D Photography and Zack Bryant of Northrop Realty are teaming up with Crossroads Gathering Place to host a Kids’ Art and Photo Contest, complete with Awards Gala!

The contest is split into two age categories, 4-11 years and 12-18 years. All entrants need to do is submit a photograph or artwork 16×20” or smaller that features their favorite “Coastal Moment” to the front desk at Crossroads Gathering Place, 128 Country Club Drive, Oak Island, by 8 pm on October 31. Label each entry with  the name and age of the contestant, date completed and a name or location for the artwork. All entries must have been completed after September 18, 2023.

“Coastal Life Moments can be a lot,” explained Katie. “From the oak trees that make us Oak Island, to a coastal bird to the blanket flowers we see around our dunes, I’m looking forward to seeing where the imaginations take these kids.”

Katie said the idea for the contest came to her while working at Crossroads. “A sweet young customer drew a pretty picture that we have hanging in the coffee shop at Crossroads. I was looking at it and came up with the idea of an art contest.I  know Zack has a few kids and we have been wanting to collaborate on something so I approached him with the idea, he agreed, and here we are,” she said.

As one of Oak Island’s most talented photographers, Katie has some advice for budding shutterbugs. “Learn and shoot! Go shooting and do it a lot! Even if you don’t have a camera, grab a phone and just go! Learn, learn, learn! There are many tutorials online, but don’t be afraid to ask for help from a seasoned photographer,” she said.

The awards Galla will beheld at Crossroads on November 18 at 5 pm. Good luck!