Community Calendar

Viking River Cruise Raffle
Win The Vacation Of Your Dreams - A Viking Rhine or Danube River Cruise! Support Thalian Association Productions & Youth Theatre Arts Education Programs Win your choice of an 8 day Rhine or Danube River Cruise Tickets are $50 & only 750 will be sold (what a deal)! Join us for the ticket drawing at a free cocktail party hosted by Viking Cruises and AAA April 22, 2026 at 6:00 pm at the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center. You do not need to be present to win.

Experience "The Joys of April - Gardens to Inspire" on the 73rd annual Azalea Garden Tour. Visit 9 of Wilmington's most beautiful private gardens, plus Airlie Gardens. Four exclusive "Secret Gardens" will be accessible by trolley only. Tickets are $50 and children under 12 are free. Ribbon Cutting starts at 9:30 am at Cameron Art Museum and is free to the public. See website for a sneak peak of the gardens and for more details. www.azaleagardentour.com.

URL:
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3500440-0?pid=10303

Date and Time: Friday, 10 April 2026 at 10:00 - 17:00

Venue details: Wilmington, North Carolina, 28403, United States

Category: Community

Price:
General Admission: USD 50.00

In commemoration of America's 250th anniversary, the Bellamy Mansion Museum is hosting an art exhibition by local artist James C. Horton, which includes over 40 original paintings and drawings that highlight historic scenes and places from around the region and country that help tell America's story. Visitors can view the exhibit free of charge any time the museum is open (M-Sun. 10 am-4 pm). Please stop by the Carriage ​House Visitor Center to gain admission. Art is available for purchase and an Artist's Reception will be held on February 27th (6-8pm). Visit bellamymansion.org/exhibits for more information or email info@bellamymansion.org if you have questions.

PROCEEDS SUPPORT CAM

All Weekend!
Friday, April 10 to Sunday, April 12, from 10 AM – 5 PM

Open to the Public

Compass & Giving Societies Pre-Sale: April 9, 2026, 6-8 PM
Learn more about Compass. Learn more about Giving Societies.

Cameron Art Museum is pleased to offer a special selection of works by beloved Wilmington-based artist Wayne McDowell (American, 1960–2013), available for purchase as part of a museum fundraiser. Through a generous bequest from McDowell’s partner, Nanci Joplin (1960–2025), a significant group of his works was added to the permanent collection of Cameron Art Museum, while select additional works were approved for sale to benefit the museum.

The works available for purchase include pieces featuring McDowell’s signature haunting seascapes, atmospheric coastal landscapes, sparse interiors, and abstract compositions.

After moving to Wilmington, North Carolina, in the late 1990s, McDowell became deeply connected to the region’s coastal environment and creative community. He worked locally as a graphic designer while maintaining an active studio practice. The coastal light, shoreline, and quiet intensity of southeastern North Carolina strongly influenced his work, and many of his most recognized paintings were created during his years in Wilmington.

Described as a “painter’s painter,” McDowell was widely respected by fellow artists and critics. His work was collected by museums during his lifetime, including Cameron Art Museum, where his paintings remain part of the permanent collection. His paintings have been featured in exhibitions at the Chase Gallery, Boston; Fayetteville Museum of Art; Hodges Taylor Gallery, Charlotte; Greenhill Center of the Arts, Greensboro; and Duke University, Durham.

This sale offers a rare opportunity to acquire work by a Wilmington artist whose legacy remains closely tied to the local arts community, while supporting Cameron Art Museum.

The Burgwin-Wright House is excited to celebrate our 100th art show in our gallery by welcoming back local artist, Janet Sessoms, for her show "Colorful Reflections.”

The Opening reception, in conjunction with Fourth Friday Gallery Nights, is on Friday, March 27 from 6-9PM.

Sessoms artworks will be on display and for sale in our art gallery through June 20th. Admission is free. The gallery is open Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm.

About the Artist
Janet B. Sessoms, who works primarily in oils, describes her style as painterly realism. Her paintings reflect her fascination with the effects of light on the environment and inanimate objects, as well as her fondness for the landscapes of the southeast. Sessoms wanted to be an artist since the age of eight. An art educator for 22 years, Sessoms retired fourteen years ago and has been realizing her dream ever since. A self-described, life-long learner, she enjoys taking workshops by nationally renowned artists. Sessoms maintains a studio at ArtworksTM and is an active member of the Wilmington Art Association, the Art League of Leland, and Oil Painters of America. To view the artist’s portfolio visit www.janetbsessoms.com.

“Assemblage: Spring 2026 Senior Exhibition” is a cumulative exhibition of works created by the Spring 2026 graduating class of studio art majors at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. This exhibition will open on Thursday, April 9, 2026, with a public opening reception from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the gallery.

The exhibition will run through Friday, May 8, 2026.

Gallery hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with
extended hours on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The CAB Art Gallery is located in the UNCW Cultural Arts Building, 5270 Randall Drive,
Wilmington, NC 28403 - UNCW’s campus on the ground floor of the Cultural Arts
Building, near the building's main entrance. Visitors can access the gallery from South
College Road or Racine Drive, and parking is available in front of the box office
entrance to the building.

For more information visit https://uncw.edu/seahawk-life/arts/venues/cultural-arts-building/

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"Assemblage: Spring 2026 Senior Exhibition”

The Spring 2026 graduating class of studio art majors group exhibition, “Assemblage”, is a collection of works from 19 artists showcasing various mediums including, but not limited to: oil paintings, sculpture, photography, printmaking, digital art, ink, ceramics, mixed media, etc.

Family, personal experiences, mental health, escapism, identity, time and space are just a few overarching themes presented within this body of work.

This show features the work of 19 graduating seniors majoring in Studio Art, including:

Bain Bennett
Katharine Ciener
Kai Feeley
Luke Hufham
Cooper Humphries
Eli Lukens
Evan McManis
Lucas Megson
Emma Mikita
Emma Mills
Erica Nelson
Kelcey Pagano
Samantha Pasch
Gabriela Ross
Hartley Sneed
Madison Taylor
Haili Turner
Jamie Ward
Diamond Wilson

These graduating artists cordially invite the public to experience their “Assemblage” as UNCW studio art students!

For more information visit https://uncw.edu/seahawk-life/arts/venues/cultural-arts-building/ or check out our Instagram @uncw.seniorexhibit for sneak previews!

Island Arts Council Announces Juried Exhibition
Echoes of Place: Artists’ Reflections of New Hanover County

CAll for art deadline 6/1/26
CASH PRIZES
Exhibition at Fort Fisher State Historic Site | August 1–15, 2026
 
CAROLINA BEACH, NC — The Island Arts Council is proud to announce Echoes of Place: Artists’ Reflections of New Hanover County, a juried fine art exhibition celebrating the landscapes, history, and cultural heritage of New Hanover County. The exhibition will be held August 1–15, 2026, at Fort Fisher State Historic Site in Kure Beach, North Carolina.
Artists of all disciplines are invited to submit original works that interpret the distinctive character of New Hanover County — its maritime heritage, coastal beauty, historic landmarks, and the communities that have shaped this remarkable region. The call for artists opens March 1, 2026, with a submission deadline of June 1, 2026.
 
About the Exhibition
Set against the storied backdrop of Fort Fisher State Historic Site, this exhibition pairs artistic expression with the rich history of New Hanover County. Works selected for the show will reflect the places, people, and stories that define this region — from the Civil War earthworks of Fort Fisher to the vibrant waterfront communities of Wilmington and the quiet shores of Pleasure Island.
Historical context for the exhibition is being developed in collaboration with Dr. Jan Davidson, a respected historian whose research brings depth and authenticity to the curatorial vision. Dr. Davidson’s scholarship will serve as a resource for participating artists and exhibition programming.
 
Meet the Juror
The exhibition will be juried by Gayle Tustin, an acclaimed artist and arts educator with deep roots in the North Carolina coastal arts community. Tustin brings a discerning eye and a commitment to honoring authentic, place-based artistic expression. Her selection will highlight works that speak meaningfully to the exhibition’s theme of memory, identity, and place.
 
Call for Artists
The Island Arts Council welcomes submissions from emerging and established artists across all media, including painting, photography, printmaking, drawing, sculpture, and mixed media. Works must be original, created within the past three years, and directly inspired by New Hanover County.
Submission Period: March 1 – June 1, 2026
Exhibition Dates: August 1–15, 2026
Venue: Fort Fisher State Historic Site, Kure Beach, NC
Prospectus & Submission Details: Available at the Island Arts Council website www.islandartscouncil.net
Or call 914-204-1371
 Apply at Entrythingy.com
About the Island Arts Council
The Island Arts Council is a nonprofit arts organization based in Carolina Beach, North Carolina, dedicated to cultivating and celebrating the arts on Pleasure Island and throughout the Cape Fear region. Through exhibitions, educational programming, therapeutic arts initiatives, and community partnerships, the Island Arts Council connects artists and audiences in meaningful ways.
 

Join the folks at Fermental as we celebrate the 79th annual AZALEA FESTIVAL in the Cargo District with an early evening of live music, wine tasting, mimosas, frozen drinks, beer, cider, spirits, and more.

IT'S A BEER GARDEN PARTY
FRIDAY APRIL 10TH · 4PM

Wear your best garden party attire, a fun costume, or whatever you feel comfortable in. This is an informal opportunity to be a part of the Azalea adventure while socializing in our outdoor beer garden, nestled under the Sycamore tree on 17th Street, the gateway to historic downtown Wilmington.

Bring your family, bring your friends, or just yourself as we toast the Spring season and celebrate Wilmington together.

FOOD TRUCK: Lyne's Smash Burgers 5pm
LIVE MUSIC: Nimara & Troy 4pm · Andrew Ragsdale 7pm

Family friendly. Pet friendly. Free parking.

The Wizard of Oz
https://www.thalianhall.org/tact-wizardoz-26
Showtimes
Dates: Friday April 10, 2026 - Sunday April 19, 2026
Friday - Saturday Time: 7:30 pm
Sunday Time: 2:00 pm
Additional Performances Saturday April 11, 2026 2:00 pm
Location
Main Stage Thalian Hall
310 Chestnut St.

By L. Frank Baum With Music and Lyrics by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg Background Music by Herbert Stothart Dance and Vocal Arrangements by Peter Howard / Orchestration by Larry Wilcox Adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company Based upon the Classic Motion Picture owned by Turner Entertainment Co. and distributed in all media by Warner Bros. We’re off to see the wizard! This beloved tale, in which a Kansas farm girl travels over the rainbow to discover the magical power of home, has entertained audiences for generations. Follow the yellow brick road in this delightful stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale, featuring the iconic musical score from the MGM film. The timeless tale, in which young Dorothy Gale travels from Kansas over the rainbow to the magical Land of Oz, continues to thrill audiences worldwide. An Associated Event of the North Carolina Azalea Festival!

Twenty-four hours in the lives of the young employees at Empire Records when they all grow up and become young adults thanks to each other and the manager. They all face the store joining a chain store with strict rules.

Tickets for the indoor screening at Jengo's Playhouse are $10. VIP tickets are $20, which include cinema seating, a soda/sparkling water, and a medium popcorn.

Feel like watching it outdoors instead? Bring a lawn chair and join us in Jengo's Backyard for the outdoor screening of Empire Records--only $7!