The audience at the Maguire stood and applauded. It was the end of the show. It was a standing ovation.

The ovation was for the performers and subsequently creator of Encore Theatre’s latest production, “Chase Down the Sun.”

Peter Thomson wrote and directed the musical. His wife Sue was the producer.

Sunday when we climbed into the car to drive to Virginia I popped a CD into the player. The title of the CD is “Twister” and the entire album was written, composed and performed by Steve March. At the bottom of an overnight bag was an advance copy of March’s next novel.

On my desk is another CD. It’s titled “Southern Hotel.” It’s a collection of music written and performed by Ethan Clark.

I recently wrote a story about Toby Tate’s second published novel, “Lilith.” Since the release of his self-proclaimed “supernatural, techno-thriller,” Tate has been busy getting more manuscripts into his publisher’s hands.

And over in Edenton you can catch the Rocky Hock Players’ most recent original production, “Come Follow Me.”

This list goes on and on. I know I’ve said it many times in the past, but it’s hard to avoid it again. We have a serious wealth of talent right here in Elizabeth City and the surrounding area and if you don’t know that, or if you’re not just seriously proud about that, well wake up folks.

You know, I write about this from time to time but it’s still worth bringing up, especially in light of recent artistic developments such as the aforementioned efforts. It just thrills me to know there is so much going on around us.

I can’t stress enough how enriched this region is by all of the efforts of the people who have been creating so much. And there is so much more to come.

In the next couple of months you’ll have a chance to see our younger performers create a vibe when the Center Players produce Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” If you think this is just for family and a few friends, think again.

The Center Players performed during their Broadway Winter Showcase what is arguably one of the liveliest shows they’ve done since they began a few short years ago. It’s a huge feather in this community’s cap to be able to brag about this program and these kids.

Of course there are the visual artists, too. And there are the crafters and there are the designers and there are the bakers — I’m still looking for a candlestick maker.

The point is that things keep growing in this region artistically. They keep growing and it seems that more and more people are getting in on the act.

It’s an act that can only get better the bigger it gets and it can only get bigger as long as folks support the arts. So at the core of all of this raving about the arts, it’s also me imploring you to support the arts here.

Support the arts and you support your future, I say.