SPLASH Week at AOA
North Carolina’s annual artist retreat week in Elizabeth City, NC
SAVE THE DATE!
Monday, September 28 - Saturday, October 3, 2026
Splash is an annual week-long arts event held in Elizabeth City, hosted by Arts of the Albemarle (AOA) in the city’s downtown neighborhood—happening in 2026 between Monday, September 28-Saturday, October 3, 2026. While Splash originated as a gathering of artists, today it has evolved into a week of community creativity and fun with a mission and programming that is twofold: first, engaging local and visiting artists with learning opportunities and an inspiring environment to create and collaborate; and second, creating a symbiotic ecosystem between artist and community, where artists’ work are supported and community members are exposed to new experiences and ideas.
Splash Week 2026 will take place from September 28-October 3.
More information and registration coming soon!
Register for your “SPLASH PASS”
We can’t wait to have you back at AOA, filling our space with joy, creativity, and color! This page has all you need to know to register for your SPLASH PASS. Feel free to sign up by filling out the packet and mailing it to us, or by completing the registration here online. We will be adding more events to our schedule as they are confirmed, so be on the lookout for additional happenings!
To participate, you’ll need to reserve your SPLASH PASS for the week! This fee includes a place to create each day, a lanyard to gain access to Splash events, and all studio amenities between Monday—Saturday, daily from 9 AM-6 PM. This also gives registered artists permission to sell work directly from their table with no fees or commission required from AOA.
Financial assistance opportunities will be available when registration opens!
Location
Splash is growing! In addition to our typical Splash Studio space in the AOA Madrin Studio (115 N Poindexter St), we will be adding more studio space in the AOA Main Building (516 E. Main St.)! Participants are welcome to request a spot in either the Madrin Studio or in the Gallery Studio, however, both studio spaces are first come, first served. If your first choice of studio space is full when we receive your registration, you will be notified and given the option to move to the remaining available space.
What’s Included in My SPLASH PASS?
The cost of registration allows one individual a workspace for the week and entry to Splash events. Additional artists sharing tables, or those attending programming as a plus one will be asked to pay separate registration fees. Those interested in financial assistance may enter their information on the last page of the downloadable registration packet to be considered.
With your SPLASH PASS, you’ll gain free access to any social events, lunchtime fitness meet-ups, and art talks or demonstrations included in the Splash Week calendar. Some entry-level workshops in various mediums will also be offered at an additional charge. After we receive your registration, we’ll be reaching out via email soon with a full schedule of events!
Meet SPLASH Week Founder, Carolyn Peel
Hear from our long-time “Splashers”, Jane Filer, Linda Starr, and Bryce Lankard
