College of The Albemarle (COA) is pleased to announce the preview and release dates for the annual publication of “Estuaries,” COA’s Visual Arts and Literary Review. “Estuaries” is a great opportunity to showcase various works submitted by COA students, faculty, staff and community members.

There will be a preview party and reception for “Estuaries” at COA – Dare on April 5th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., 205 Hwy 64 S, Manteo.  The event will include a discussion of 2023 submissions by the featured artists and writers, a reading from Michele Young-Stone, published author and former adjunct instructor at College of The Albemarle, and a reading by Nancy Gray, wife of Wayne Gray, former adjunct instructor at College of The Albemarle.  Posters will also be displayed during the event to provide attendees a glimpse of the fantastic submissions in this year’s “Estuaries” publication.

Michele Young-Stone will read an excerpt from her upcoming novel, “Gloss.”  Her first novel, “Lost in the Beehive,” was featured in O, The Oprah Magazine as one of the “Best New Books of Spring.”

Wayne Gray was the author of many books of poetry and fiction. Much of his subject matter was about the Outer Banks area, including Wanchese and subjects related to a fisherman’s life and his own experiences growing up.  His wife, Nancy, will read several of his poems during the preview party.  The family established a scholarship through the Outer Banks Community Foundation in Gray’s name to be awarded to a COA graduate each year.

The public release of “Estuaries” will take place during the “Literary Festival” at COA – Elizabeth City on April 19th, with a simulcast to all COA campuses.  For information on the festival, please visit www.albemarle.edu/news/litfest. Previous “Estuaries” and additional information are available at www.albemarle.edu/estuaries.

For information or questions regarding “Estuaries,” its preview and reception, or public release, contact Jill Lettieri, Associate English and Communications Professor, at [email protected] or 252.473.2264, ext. 7015.

For media inquiries and all other College of The Albemarle information, please contact Tammy W. Sawyer, COA Director of Communications and Marketing, at [email protected] or 252.335.0821 ext. 2420.