Text and photos by Peter Vankevich
Former North Carolina Poet Laureate Joseph Bathanti once remarked that Ocracoke is the perfect place for those struggling to “finish that book.”
This sentiment resonates with many artists and writers who find inspiration in the island’s natural beauty and from its small, friendly community.
Ocracoke can be a haven for creativity.
Donald Davis runs two week-long storytelling workshops in June. North Carolina Poet Laureate Jaki Shelton Green facilitates sessions for her Sistah Write creators and island yoga practitioners hold retreats.
Each October, a small group of plein air artists descends upon Ocracoke, spreading out across the village to paint the boats, houses, shacks and diverse flora and fauna.
At the end of their week, these artists invite the community to view and purchase their works, fostering a sense of connection with island residents and visitors.
Since 2013, Jean Skipper, an artist and small business consultant, has been conducting retreats on the island aimed at inspiring creativity and building confidence.
Skipper’s love for Ocracoke blossomed during visits in her mid-20s. The island’s natural beauty and the friendships she has formed there strengthened her bond with the area.
A significant aspect of this connection is her husband, Ken, whom she met at Howard’s Pub. He proposed to her on the island. After their marriage, they moved to Vass, Moore County, where she continued her career in finance.
But her passion for art eventually drew her away from corporate banking. She decided to embrace her artistic side fully and use her business skills to help other artists flourish.
Her ARTworks Vass Gallery showcases the work of more than 200 artists and offers a variety of classes in different media, including painting, pottery, glass and metalworking.
It also sponsors numerous events, workshops and summer camps for kids.
“I discoveredARTworks Vass retreattowards the end of COVID-19,” said Stacy Metaxis Whitlow, one of the retreat participants. “It was a nice escape for me and my daughter.”
Melissa Rian, who holds a BFA from Wayne State University, shared how the studio provided her with a fulfilling balance between her IT career and her passion for teaching printmaking, eco-dying and painting.
“I’ve surrounded myself with talented people who inspire me,” Skipper said, highlighting the importance of community in the creative process.
Skipper also acts as a consultant for small businesses, particularly those focused on the arts. She has conducted seminars on Ocracoke over the years, helping artists understand the business side of their craft.
A central theme of her retreats is encouraging participants to embrace their identities as artists. “Children are natural creators,” she explained. “If you ask them, ‘Are you an artist?’ their answer is simply ‘Yes.’ They inherently know they are artists.”
Unfortunately, societal pressures and self-criticism often diminish this confidence as people grow older. “Somewhere along the line, whether through self-doubt or external criticism, that belief can diminish,” she said.
So, Skipper wants to change that.
“I’m on a mission to help individuals realize their artistic potential and cultivate confidence in their creative abilities,” she stated during an interview on Ocracoke’s community radio station, WOVV.
She believes that everyone possesses an artistic spirit, even if they don’t recognize it.
“I’ve encountered many talented individuals who struggle to declare themselves as artists,” she said, reflecting on her own journey.
She encourages participants to be kinder to themselves, reminding them that self-criticism can stifle creativity.
“Every successful artist has created imperfect work at some stage. The key is to keep showing up and practicing,” she advised.
The supportive environment of her retreats often leads to breakthroughs for participants.
“When someone tells me they’re not an artist or teacher, I see it as a personal challenge to show them that they can be if they choose to,” she said, smiling.
This philosophy fosters a community of growth and encouragement, where individuals feel empowered to embrace their artistic identities.
At her studio, Skipper creates a welcoming atmosphere for exploration.
“I encourage participants to experiment and try new things,” she said. “Whether it’s painting, pottery, or any other form of art, the goal remains the same: to create something beautiful and enjoy the process.”
One evening, Skipper and the visiting artists hosted a gathering for islanders to share insights on creativity and camaraderie, generating lots of spirited observations and much laughter.
The spirit of Ocracoke Island is woven into her own artistic journey and her mission to help others.
To learn more about ARtworks Vass, go to their website: https://www.artworksvass.com/
