International Owl Awareness Celebration
August 4
Find out WHOOO’s who during our International Owl Awareness Celebration, Aug. 4. The Aquarium joins other organizations and facilities worldwide to reveal fascinating facts about these birds, the troubles some species face, and how everyone can help.
Participate in owl-themed programs, crafts, and activities held throughout the day. Can't make it to the aquarium that day? We'll have owl-themed videos on social media. In-house Owl Awareness Day activities are free with admission or membership.
International Vulture Awareness Celebration
Sept. 3
The Aquarium joins the worldwide effort to help the much-maligned vulture with its image problem during an International Vulture Awareness Day Celebration, Sept. 3. The global vulture defense movement is aimed at heightening awareness of these big birds, their importance to their ecosystems, and the troubles they face.
Aquarium in-house activities include crafts and programs about vultures and displays about vulture species around the world.
Vulture Awareness activities are free with admission or membership. Can't make it to the aquarium that day? We'll have a video program featuring vultures on our social media.
Aquarium Paint Night
June 24, July 8, Aug. 12 (6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.)
Splash into an underwater world of art during Painting Under the Sea at N.C. Aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores. You'll make fin-tastic memories during this relaxing night of creating artwork. Instructors from Wine and Design on Wheels from Morehead City will provide all painting supplies and guide you every step of the way. Each night offers a different painting opportunity. Can't choose just one? Come to all three! There are a limited number of seats, so reserve your spot under the sea and leave with your own unique treasure.
What to bring: Wear comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting messy. You may bring non-alcoholic beverages and snacks to enjoy while you paint. Please arrive 15 minutes early for check-in and set-up. All painting supplies provided by Wine and Design on Wheels. This is a limited event. Purchase tickets only online before the event. No ticket sales at the door.
The event is $45 per painter (aquarium member and non-member).
Age minimum of 6 years old. Children 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Adult does not have to paint.
Non-painters will be charged regular aquarium admission for entrance. Non-painters who are aquarium members are free.
Spadefish ART Gallery
The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores regularly exhibits unique art in a hallway gallery. Shows change quarterly. Currently, the aquarium is showcasing an exhibit by fiber artist Eileen Williams. The show features her ocean-themed works of quilted art and is named Art of the Sea.
Artists find inspiration in countless ways. For fiber artist Eileen Williams, inspiration is sourced by her delight in coastal environments, which can be viewed at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores until Labor Day.
Her artistic process begins with documenting oceanic and sound side scenes with photography. She uses dynamic imagery of marine wildlife in action. Williams then interprets her photographs using ordinary textile notions — colorful fabrics and thread, vintage lace, beads, and embellishments — to create intricate, ocean-themed works of quilted art. This variety of work, named Art of the Sea, features local coastal scenes, as well as some from her travels. Originally from Philadelphia Pennsylvania, Williams studied nursing at the University of Pennsylvania and later served in the US Navy. She and her husband both retired from the military and currently reside on the Crystal Coast. Williams is now joyfully engaged in her second career as a quilt artist. Williams has won numerous awards for her arts both locally and nationally. Her pieces have been published in quilting magazines and books. She has been filmed in her home studio for the quiltshow.com and her work has displayed her pieces of expositions nationally and internationally. Her fiber creations can be found in private collections and in public settings including the University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duke’s University School of Nursing, and a permanent collection of the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky.
VIrtual Programs
Virtual Behind-the-scenes tours, private animal encounters, moving with animals workout program! So many online programs to choose from.
Join staff for an interactive virtual behind-the-scenes tour. Choose between two virtual behind-the-scenes tours: Avian ambassadors and sea turtle conservation.
Private Virtual Animal Cameos are a casual and fun way to learn about our animal ambassadors at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Private 20-minute virtual cameos are available 7 days a week from 8:00 - 12:00 & 1:00 -4:00.
Looking for a way to learn while working off some of that extra energy? Our virtual workout program is offered Tuesdays at 3 p.m.
Advisory Committee Meeting
Aug. 11, 2021
The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores Advisory Committee Meeting will be held Wednesday, August 11 from 1-3:00 p.m. and will be held in person in the aquarium conference room.