Pleasure Island, NC
The Island of Lights Committee became an organization of community volunteers in 1990. The main purpose was, and still is, to promote tourism of Pleasure Island (Carolina and Kure Beaches) from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve. There were five light displays that first year, and today there are over 20 displays located around the Lake as part of Light up at the Lake.
Activities that have been added since the first year are: a Fashion Show, Light Up at the Lake, a night-time Christmas Parade, Holiday Flotilla, Tour of Homes, and New Year’s Eve Countdown with fireworks. With the help of the towns of Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, and businesses in our community, our events have brought people to Pleasure Island from around the country each year. As a group, we hope to continue our activities for many more years to come. The sale of our cards and ornaments help us to continue this tradition.
About the artists
Each year the Island of Lights Committee solicits local artists to submit paintings for our annual Christmas Card and Ornament. With the recent “interest” in the foxes on the island, it was decided to feature the fox on our card this year.
The print for the card was painted by Carla Cardwell. Carla and her husband moved to Carolina Beach from Charlotte eight years ago. Carla studied art at East Carolina University, but discovered her love of painting while taking art classes in Charlotte. Carla enjoys painting coastal influenced pieces, pet portraits, and abstract art. Carla’s primary hobby now is spending time with her grandchildren!! Carla and her husband love living in Carolina Beach and enjoying all the island has to offer.
The ornament this year was painted by Bob Mather. Bob is an Artist who has worked in many mediums of art. His current forte is focused on painting vibrant watercolors of his client’s beloved pets. Growing up in New Hampshire he attended a small Art School where he learned the basics of art appreciation. He then moved to Florida where he honed skills in working with art glass both creating and repairing masterpieces. While living in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, Bob returned to his first love of watercolor painting.
Bob has taken amazing images of people’s pets both past and present, and has interrupted through watercolor paintings giving their owners a special piece of art that will be cherished for lifetime. And since moving to Carolina Beach he has taken up painting coastal scenery and specializing in Turtle art.
The original, framed 11x14, painting of the card is available for purchase at Tip Top Frame in the Food Lion shopping center on Lake Park Blvd in Carolina Beach. The original painting of the ornament, in a 14x16 matted frame, will be given to whoever purchases the card painting.
The Island of Lights committee members volunteer their time to organize the many great events throughout the holidays to make Pleasure Island a special destination during the winter months. New members are always welcome. Join us at our meetings held the first Tuesday of every month at 7:00 pm at the Carolina Beach Community Center.
Cards and Ornaments are available at these locations:
Island Tackle and Hardware
Seaside Shenanigans/Celtic Creamery
Bungalow by the Sea
Jeanne’s Jewels & Fashions Etc.
Sumthin Beachy
THE ORNAMENTS HAVE BECOME A COLLECTOR’S ITEM AS THERE ARE ONLY 400 AVAILABLE!
BE SURE TO GET YOUR’S EARLY AS THEY SELL OUT FAST!!
ISLAND OF LIGHTS 2022 CARDS AND ORNAMENTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE