The Arts Council Of Wilmington/NHC

“Yana Slutskaya & the Durham Art Guild Exchange” Exhibit
2025-06-13 10:00 - 2025-07-27 17:00 (America/New_York) | 970 Inspiration Drive, Wilmington, NC 28405, 970 Inspiration Drive, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
June 13 – July 27, 2025 | Artist Reception June 15, 2-5pm
This is Art in Bloom Gallery’s second year partnering with the Durham Art Guild to introduce new artists to our coastal community. This year we are partnering to bring photographer, Yana Slutskaya, to Wilmington. Join us in the gallery on Sunday, June 15th, from 2-5pm. Enjoy special refreshments, meet our artists, and enjoy live music by Justin Lacey! In addition, we feature continuously rotating art featuring 30+ of Art in Bloom Gallery’s Artists!
Yana Slutskaya is an award-winning professional artist and contemporary still-life photographer based near Raleigh, NC. She holds a BA degree in Fine Arts, majoring in Painting and Theatrical Design, from Moscow State Academic Art College.
As a still-life photographer, Yana finds immense joy and fulfillment in capturing the silent stories of inanimate objects.
The process feels akin to creating scenes on a theatrical stage, drawing from her background as a professional theatrical stage designer and decorator. She approaches each composition by envisioning the objects as dynamic characters, each playing a role in a captivating narrative. Through the interplay of light, particularly natural light from windows, Yana strives to infuse my compositions with an inviting, dramatic, and artistic ambiance.
Her inspiration stems from everyday elements that surround her, such as fruits and flowers from the garden, seashells, pottery, and unique vintage items discovered in various places. The beauty of nature and her passion for gardening continually fuels Yana’s creativity, offering a wellspring of ideas for her work.
Gallery events are always free and open to the public. On view along with these exhibits, Art in Bloom Gallery showcases a plethora of fine art by over 30 local artists. The gallery is open Monday–Thursday 10am-5pm, Friday – Saturday 10am–6pm and Sunday 12-5pm and is in Mayfaire Town Center at 970 Inspiration Drive in Wilmington, NC.
About the Durham Art Guild
The Durham Art Guild is a nonprofit member-driven visual arts organization established in 1948. The Guild’s mission is to enrich and connect our communities by creating opportunities and providing leadership for current and future visual artists and art enthusiasts. The Guild programs over 40 exhibitions annually across multiple NC community partnership venues featuring over 400 regional artists. In addition to the Creative Mentorship Program and the Artist in Residence Program, the Guild also produces over 20 arts related events each year including receptions, lectures, community building events and professional development workshops. For more information about the Durham Art Guild please visit www.durhamartguild.org or follow us @durhamartguild

Jengo's Summer Film Series: "Find Love"
2025-06-13 19:30 - 21:30 | Jengo’s Playhouse, 815 Princess Street, Wilmington, 28401
A flight to Wilmington brings together a woman escaping an unhappy marriage and a man shocked by an unplanned pregnancy with his girlfriend. Both are stumbling toward a turning point in their lives. As they wait for their delayed flight, the two strangers find themselves drawn to each other almost immediately as they’re exported from their realities into the fragmented realm of new emotions. Set against the unique sound of Icelandic band Mum, the film explores the heady, first feelings of inexplicable attraction. An improvised feature, the cast developed most of the dialogue in workshops, which lends an organic feel to the chemistry between the leads, Christian Camargo and Alexie Gilmore.

21st annual DocuTime Film Festival
2025-06-14 10:30 - 21:30 | Jengo’s Playhouse, 815 Princess Street, Wilmington, 28401
The Docutime Film Festival is coming back for its 21st anniversary to celebrate founder Paula Haller and to continue its reputation for bringing acclaimed documentaries to Wilmington so that our dedicated community of documentary-lovers can experience a full-day of award-winning, enlightening entertainment.
﻿Docutime is a partnership between Cucalorus Film Foundation and WHQR Public Radio and will take place at Jengo’s Playhouse in the Soda Pop District in downtown Wilmington.
An all-day pass is only $35 and individual tickets for screenings are $15.

“Yana Slutskaya & the Durham Art Guild Exchange” Exhibit Reception
2025-06-15 14:00 - 17:00 | 970 Inspiration Drive, Wilmington, NC 28405, 970 Inspiration Drive, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States

WHQR MeetUp at Willowdale Urban Farms, June 20th
2025-06-20 10:00 - 17:00 | 2901 Chestnut St, Wilmington, NC 28405, 2901 Chestnut St, Wilmington, NC 28405, Wilmington, NC, 28401
Public Radio lovers, WHQR Community Advisory Board, staff, board, and friends will gather at Willowdale Urban Farms on June 20th at 10 am.
Coffee, Treats, Tours, Gardening, Socializing, Veggies, and More!
Thank you to Abigail and Social Coffee Supply for the coffee! To learn more about them, check out: https://www.socialcoffeesupply.com/.
Handicap Accessible Parking:
Enter through the front gate and park to the left.
All Other Parking: Wilmington First Pentecostal Church
2901 Chestnut St, Wilmington, NC 28405
(Please park in the church lot and enter through the back gate)

Thrown & Altered Forms Workshop With Brian Evans
2025-06-20 10:00 - 2025-06-22 16:00 | Fat Cat Pottery, Seaside Studio, 1641 Seaside Rd SW, Ocean Isle Beach, NC, 28468, United States
Join Brian Evans Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, June 20 – 22, 2025 (10am-4pm) as he teaches participants how to alter thrown forms on the wheel. Altering techniques include pinching, spiraling, pillowing, ribbing, and more. Participants should have a minimum of intermediate throwing skills. Intermediate skills include centering, throwing cylinders, bowls, and vases. If you struggle with these forms, this workshop may not be for you.
This workshop will teach you to break free from the round form. It will help build your confidence in experimentation. It is difficult for many potters to go beyond the round form because they are afraid to ruin a “perfect pot.” Instead, we will embrace the Japanese concept of Wabi Sabi (Beauty in Imperfection).

Jengo's Summer Film Series: "The Secret Life of Bees"
2025-06-20 19:30 - 21:30 | Jengo’s Playhouse, 815 Princess Street, Wilmington, 28401
Set in South Carolina in 1964, this is the tale of Lily Owens a 14 year-old girl who is haunted by the memory of her late mother. To escape her lonely life and troubled relationship with her father, Lily flees with Rosaleen, her caregiver and only friend, to a South Carolina town that holds the secret to her mother’s past.
This screening is a celebration of Juneteenth! It is sponsored by National Black Leadership Caucus and the Wilmington News Journal.

Happy Hour with Gary Gillespie Israel & The Dorothy M. Gillespie Foundation
2025-06-24 17:00 - 19:00 | 970 Inspiration Drive, Wilmington, NC 28405, 970 Inspiration Drive, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Join us in welcoming Gary Gillespie Israel, President of the Dorothy M. Gillespie Foundation, for Happy Hour at Art in Bloom! Gary and The Foundation have donated original art by Dorothy Gillespie (1920-2012) to over a dozen locations throughout our community – including an expanded selection of works at Art in Bloom.
Visit us in Mayfaire Town Center on June 24, 5-7, for this special reception! Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, drinks, a chance to speak with Gary, and view the acclaimed sculptures and creations of Dorothy Gillespie (1920-2012).
Gallery events are always free and open to the public. On view alongside this exhibit, Art in Bloom Gallery showcases a plethora of fine art by over 30 local artists.
Preview the works and discover the story behind Dorothy Gillespie’s close ties to Wilmington at: https://aibgallery.com/artist/dorothy-gillespie/
About the Dorothy M. Gillespie Foundation:
The Dorothy Gillespie Foundation proudly presents the works and history of the 20th century American Artist, Dorothy Gillespie, which included abstract expressionism, decorative abstraction, site-specific installations, the women’s movement and art in public spaces. She was a pioneer in the new directions of metal sculpture and best known for large-scale, highly colorful painted arrangements of cut aluminum strips radiating, undulating, or curling in giant arrangements of ribbon, enchanted towers, and even the burst of fireworks piece: well known as a painter, sculptor and installation artist whose work incorporated many significant 20th-century trends in art.
Dorothy Gillespie’s career spanned seven decades, and was always in the forefront of the American Art movement. Ms. Gillespies works have graced and still grace many institutions, museums, colleges, universities and public places. She was one of the first artists to offer her art to the world through displays in the lobbies of public institutions and governmental centers such as Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts. The Foundation supports artists, initiatives, and institutions that embody the same innovative, inclusive multidisciplinary approach that Dorothy Gillespie exemplified in both her art and philanthropic endeavors.

Black Music Month Celebration: Port City All-Stars
2025-06-24 19:00 - 20:15 | McErny Gallery at WHQR, 254 North Front Street, Suite 300, Wilmington, 28401, United States
WHQR is excited to announce our annual Black Music Month Celebration featuring musical arrangements of Port City All-Stars. Hosted by Rhonda Bellamy as a part of WHQR’s Juneteenth celebration, our concert will take place on Wednesday, June 24th at 7pm in the MC Erny Gallery.
THE EVENT IS FREE, PLEASE RSVP BY EMAILING mbradley@whqr.org SO WE KNOW HOW MANY WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE.

Jengo's Summer Film Series: "George Washington"
2025-06-27 19:30 - 21:30 | Jengo’s Playhouse, 815 Princess Street, Wilmington, 28401
Shot in the landscape of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, George Washington is a stunning portrait of how a group of young kids come to grips with a hard world of choices and consequences. During an innocent game in an abandoned amusement park, a member of the group dies. Narrated by one of the children, the film follows the kids as they struggle to balance their own ambitions and relationships against a tragic lie. The acting by the non-professional children is phenomenal; it is both instinctive and intelligent.
David Gordon Green is known as a producer in films and TV shows like — Halloween Kills, Halloween Ends, The Righteous Gemstones, Nutcrackers, and more! After Green graduated from UNCSA, he directed and produced George Washington, which was his debut feature film and screened multiple film festivals including Cucalorus in 2001!

Fourth of July Open House at the Hannah Block Historic USO
2025-07-04 12:00 - 16:00 | Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, 120 South 2nd Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Come enjoy 4th of July in style at the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center! Step back in time and peruse the 1940s era lobby museum and WWII exhibits while sipping a 5 cent soda. The Open House celebration runs from 12pm-4pm and features swing dancing with Cape Fear Swing Dance Society, a screening of the documentary Home Away From Home – The USO at 2nd and Orange, 1940s soda prices, and complimentary coffee and doughnuts from Krispy Kreme.
More info at: https://wilmingtoncommunityarts.org/classes-and-events/july-4th-open-house/

No Sleeves Magic: Wilder West
2025-07-10 10:30 - 12:30 | UNCW Kenan Auditorium, 515 Wagoner Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403, Wilmington, NC, 28036, United States
UNCW Kenan Auditorium presents Seahawk Summer FAM 2025! Join us for a summer of fun shows the whole family will enjoy! The “Wilder West Magic Show” by No Sleeves Magic is a high-energy, Wild West-themed performance that combines mind-blowing tricks, humor, and audience participation for all ages. Dressed in Western attire, the duo delivers a rootin’ tootin’ good time with a comedic twist on classic magic. This show guarantees laughter and amazement.

Surface and Form Workshop With Steve Kelly
2025-07-11 10:00 - 2025-07-13 16:00 | Fat Cat Pottery, Seaside Studio, 1641 Seaside Rd SW, Ocean Isle Beach, NC, 28468, United States
Join Steve Kelly Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, July 11 -13 (10am – 4pm) as he leads students through his unique surface process, from throwing and altering forms, to stamping, drawing, etching and under glaze work. There will be demonstrations and hands-on projects each day. Students will make their own forms as well as work with forms made by the artist. Day one will focus throwing demonstrations and stamp making. On day two we will stamp, alter and etch the forms from the previous day. Day three will focus on surface decoration and underglaze layering as well as a glaze demo in the afternoon. During this workshop Steve will focus on processes that are very specific to his work, including darting, stamping, water etching, underglaze layering and a variety of non-traditional glaze applications.

Jengo's Summer Film Series: "It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This"
2025-07-11 19:30 - 21:30 | Jengo’s Playhouse, 815 Princess Street, Wilmington, 28401
This creep-out film needs to be experienced on the big screen… because the producers have promised it’ll never be released online.
A quarter-century has passed since The Blair Witch Project fooled us into a trend of “fake found footage” movies, but what if true terror could be conjured into existence? Blending fiction and indisputable fact from nearly 20 years of archival video, It Doesn’t Get Any Better Than This documents a married couple who have bought an abandoned Missouri duplex to film a low-budget horror flick. After random strangers begin appearing outside, staring at the old building in an unsettling trance, the two are delighted to find themselves in a real-life scary story.

Jengo's Summer Film Series: Port City Shorties
2025-07-18 19:30 - 21:30 | Jengo’s Playhouse, 815 Princess Street, Wilmington, 28401
A dynamic collection of local favorites from Cucalorus 30, including:
Brenda Gets Gaslit: Brenda Donaldson is a regular gal, living in a regular world, until one day she experiences a pain so intense that it lands her in the office of her local physician, Dr. Lumex. This visit sets off a series of unfortunate events that throw poor Brenda into a crazy adventure deep inside the medical gaslight zone.
Jumping Bean: A reflection on the grief of losing a parent, corporate mismanagement and the larval stage of tiny moths.
The Hermit of Cape Fear: Guided by a mysterious Hermit, Mark navigates multiple realities, coming to terms with his past and reconnecting with his daughter in this captivating sci-fi journey.
Light: By bathing in the light of the sun, a woman unmasks the lightness of her own being.
For Every Breath: A young girl goes on an illicit scavenger hunt to find medication for her strung out grandmother.
Fidelity: A short comedy about infidelity, drinking too much at parties, and letting go.

"Tangerine" screening at Jengo's Playhouse
2025-07-24 19:30 - 21:30 | Jengo’s Playhouse, 815 Princess Street, Wilmington, 28401
We’re celebrating the 6th annual Art House Theater Day with the 10th anniversary screening of Sean Baker’s award-winning independent film Tangerine! After the film, there will be an exclusive recorded Q&A with Baker.
It’s Christmas Eve in Tinseltown and Sin-Dee is back on the block. Upon hearing that her pimp boyfriend hasn’t been faithful during the 28 days she was locked up, the working girl and her best friend, Alexandra, embark on a mission to get to the bottom of the scandalous rumor. Their rip-roaring odyssey leads them through various subcultures of Los Angeles, including an Armenian family dealing with their own repercussions of infidelity.

Words of Inspiration
2025-07-25 18:00 - 21:00 | ACME Art Studios, 711 N 5th Ave, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
From poetry and fiction to memoirs and mythology, the written word has the power to spark our imaginations in ways unique to every individual. We invite you to explore the visual representation of our favorite Words of Inspiration in this upcoming community exhibit.

Vibrant Visions: Land and Sea
2025-07-25 18:00 - 21:00 | McErny Gallery at WHQR, 254 North Front Street, Suite 300, Wilmington, 28401, United States
“Vibrant Visions: Land and Sea” showcases the artwork of Diana Vincent, Christine Sesta, and Neal Keller. The opening reception will be held on July 25 , and closing reception Sept 10.

Jengo's Summer Film Series: "Familiar Touch"
2025-07-25 19:30 - 21:30 | Jengo’s Playhouse, 815 Princess Street, Wilmington, 28401
A coming-of-(old)-age film following an octogenarian woman named Ruth as she adjusts to assisted living, grappling with conflicting desires and shifting self-narratives amidst fading memories and evolving age identity.
Sarah Friedland’s debut is an intimate and loving portrait that combines the physical language of caregiving and the precise choreography of Ruth’s body to center the experience of living as an aging human. The film was created in collaboration with the residents and staff of a retirement community in Pasadena, California.
Familiar Touch screened twice at the 30th annual Cucalorus Film Festival. Gabe Elder, the cinematographer, taught an Intro to Film for Older Adults class during the festival as well!

The Vibrant Resonance: A Journey Through Sound and Stillness
2025-07-26 16:30 - 18:30 | NC
Step into an immersive experience where movement meets melody in The Vibrant Resonance—an evening of meditative yoga and mesmerizing Indian classical music. Begin with a serene yoga flow accompanied by a live sitar serenade, as delicate ragas intertwine with breath and posture to guide you into a deep state of presence and peace.
As twilight deepens, the space transforms into a sacred soundscape for a soul-stirring sitar and tabla recital. The dialogue between the sitar’s shimmering strings and the tabla’s dynamic rhythms evokes tranquility and passion, carrying listeners on an emotional and spiritual journey through the rich traditions of Hindustani music.
Whether you’re arriving for the yoga, the concert, or both, The Vibrant Resonance invites you to surrender to the healing power of sound and stillness.
$25.00 Yoga & Sitar Serenade,
$25.00 Sitar & Tabla Concert,
Both Events $40.00

Raga Rapture – A Journey Through Indian Classical Music
2025-07-27 19:00 - 21:30 | The Barzarre, 1610 Castle Street, Wilmington, GA, 28401, United States
Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing world of Raga Rapture, an enchanting evening celebrating the timeless beauty of Indian classical music. This soul-stirring performance features a dynamic duet between the sitar and tabla, two of the most iconic instruments of the Indian musical tradition.
🎵 The Experience:
Let the shimmering melodies of the sitar transport you to a place of introspection and wonder, as the artist weaves intricate ragas—melodic frameworks that evoke emotion and mood. The performance is elevated by the rhythmic sounds of the tabla, whose vibrant beats and delicate nuances create a captivating dialogue with the sitar.
🕉️ Cultural Journey:
“Raga Rapture” is more than a recital—it’s an invitation to experience the spiritual and meditative essence of Indian classical music. Each raga unfolds gradually, guiding listeners through various emotional landscapes, from serene to ecstatic, ancient to eternal.
✨ Highlights:
Live improvisation between sitar and tabla
Explanation of ragas and rhythmic cycles for newcomers
A tranquil, immersive atmosphere perfect for both connoisseurs and curious minds
Are you a lifelong lover of Indian classical music, or are you discovering it for the first time? Raga Rapture promises a deeply moving and unforgettable evening.

“Wrapping It Up” Jo Ann Alford & Elizabeth Darrow Exhibit
2025-08-01 - 2025-09-14 | 970 Inspiration Drive, Wilmington, NC 28405, 970 Inspiration Drive, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Art in Bloom Gallery is celebrating the artistic careers of gallery artist Elizabeth Darrow & guest artist Jo Ann Alford through their collaborative exhibit, “Wrapping It Up.” After pursuing a variety of artistic approaches, these lifelong artists & friends are coming together to embrace the strengths of shape, pattern and collage. Whether by layering wrapping paper over oil backgrounds, or building abstract scenes from a single paper element, both artists allow their pieces to emerge intuitively from their creative processes. So even if Jo Ann Alford & Elizabeth Darrow are moving closer to “wrapping up” their artistic journeys … their ever innovating work will continue to develop and inspire!
Join us in the gallery on Sunday, August 3rd, 2-5pm for the Artist Reception. Enjoy special refreshments, meet our artists, and enjoy live music by Robert Beauchene!
Gallery events are always free and open to the public. On view along with these exhibits, Art in Bloom Gallery showcases a plethora of fine art by over 30 local artists. Art in Bloom is open Monday–Thursday 10am-5pm, Friday – Saturday 10am–6pm and Sunday 12-5pm at 970 Inspiration Drive, Mayfaire Town Center, Wilmington, NC.
About the Artists
From weaving to watercolor, multimedia artist, adventurer & educator Jo Ann Alford continues to pursue her independent path. After studying fiber arts and calligraphy in the West Coast, Jo Ann returned to North Carolina to expand both her own creativity and the world views of her students. Though she finds herself more “settled” now in retirement, Jo Ann still has a wanderlust for life, within and outside of herself. She is currently focusing on nonobjective collage to offer a more open, personal invitation of her work.
About the series, Jo Ann says, “The first element that is adhered to the paper is a catalyst and may disappear as I respond to the lines, shapes, colors, textures, and negative space. As I travel across the surface, I enjoy the surprises that occur during the process. I’m always eager to see where my artistic journey will lead me.”
Multimedia painter Elizabeth Darrow has made Wilmington her home since 1977. Elizabeth has worked in oil and collage throughout her career, exploring a variety of abstract & figurative styles depending on her medium, but never works “from life” in the traditional sense. Most of the imagery that comes to her seems to hatch of its own accord, emerging from the process. Says Elizabeth about her newest works, “I enjoy playing with color and shapes and patterns, and watching their interplay … watching them take on a life of their own. It’s a magical process.”
In this exhibit, Elizabeth has incorporated patterns found in wrapping paper, and juxtaposed them with each other against a background of oil paint and gestural drawing to create something altogether new. “That may be why the show is called ‘Wrapping It Up’… Or maybe it’s because we’re wrapping up our artistic careers (a process that could take years)… Either way, it’s always fun to play and see what happens.”

Jengo's Summer Film Series: "Ding-A-Ling-Less"
2025-08-01 19:30 - 21:30 | Jengo’s Playhouse, 815 Princess Street, Wilmington, 28401
Jack Peterson is the most celebrated birdhouse builder in the town of Stalksdale. His large wooden erections are the talk of the town. He’s friendly and attractive and seems to have everything going for him. In fact, you might assume Jack is one of the luckiest guys around. But most don’t know that Jack was horribly disfigured at birth, making him incapable of forming close relationships with women.
Things start looking up, however, when Jack learns of a medical procedure that can reverse his condition. With the help of his womanizing best friend Alan and an eccentric doctor named Skinner, Jack tries to win the heart of the girl next door and obtain the life he’s always wanted. Things turn comically tragic, however, when things don’t quite go as planned.

Artist Reception – “Wrapping It Up” Jo Ann Alford & Elizabeth Darrow
2025-08-03 02:00 - 17:00 | 970 Inspiration Drive, Wilmington, NC 28405, 970 Inspiration Drive, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Join us on August 3rd, 2-5pm for an Artist Reception featuring the collaged creations of Jo Ann Alford & Elizabeth Darrow! Enjoy special refreshments, meet our artists, and enjoy live music by Robert Beauchene.
Art in Bloom Gallery is celebrating the artistic careers of gallery artist Elizabeth Darrow & guest artist Jo Ann Alford through their collaborative exhibit, “Wrapping It Up.” After pursuing a variety of artistic approaches, these lifelong artists & friends are coming together to embrace the strengths of shape, pattern and collage. Whether by layering wrapping paper over oil backgrounds, or building abstract scenes from a single paper element, both artists allow their pieces to emerge intuitively from their creative processes. So even if Jo Ann Alford & Elizabeth Darrow are moving closer to “wrapping up” their artistic journeys … their ever innovating work will continue to develop and inspire!
Gallery events are always free and open to the public. On view along with these exhibits, we showcase a plethora of fine art by over 30 local artists. Art in Bloom is open Monday–Thursday 10am-5pm, Friday – Saturday 10am–6pm and Sunday 12-5pm at 970 Inspiration Drive, Mayfaire Town Center, Wilmington, NC.
About the Artists
From weaving to watercolor, multimedia artist, adventurer & educator Jo Ann Alford continues to pursue her independent path. After studying fiber arts and calligraphy in the West Coast, Jo Ann returned to North Carolina to expand both her own creativity and the world views of her students. Though she finds herself more “settled” now in retirement, Jo Ann still has a wanderlust for life, within and outside of herself. She is currently focusing on nonobjective collage to offer a more open, personal invitation of her work.
About the series, Jo Ann says, “The first element that is adhered to the paper is a catalyst and may disappear as I respond to the lines, shapes, colors, textures, and negative space. As I travel across the surface, I enjoy the surprises that occur during the process. I’m always eager to see where my artistic journey will lead me.”
Multimedia painter Elizabeth Darrow has made Wilmington her home since 1977. Elizabeth has worked in oil and collage throughout her career, exploring a variety of abstract & figurative styles depending on her medium, but never works “from life” in the traditional sense. Most of the imagery that comes to her seems to hatch of its own accord, emerging from the process. Says Elizabeth about her newest works, “I enjoy playing with color and shapes and patterns, and watching their interplay … watching them take on a life of their own. It’s a magical process.”
In this exhibit, Elizabeth has incorporated patterns found in wrapping paper, and juxtaposed them with each other against a background of oil paint and gestural drawing to create something altogether new. “That may be why the show is called ‘Wrapping It Up’… Or maybe it’s because we’re wrapping up our artistic careers (a process that could take years)… Either way, it’s always fun to play and see what happens.”

Artist Reception – “Wrapping It Up” Jo Ann Alford & Elizabeth Darrow
2025-08-03 02:00 - 17:00 | 970 Inspiration Drive, Wilmington, NC 28405, 970 Inspiration Drive, Wilmington, NC, 28405, United States
Join us in the gallery on Sunday, August 3rd, 2-5pm for the Artist Reception featuring the collaged creations of Jo Ann Alford & Elizabeth Darrow! Enjoy special refreshments, meet our artists, and enjoy live music by Robert Beauchene.
Art in Bloom Gallery is celebrating the artistic careers of gallery artist Elizabeth Darrow & guest artist Jo Ann Alford through their collaborative exhibit, “Wrapping It Up.” After pursuing a variety of artistic approaches, these lifelong artists & friends are coming together to embrace the strengths of shape, pattern and collage. Whether by layering wrapping paper over oil backgrounds, or building abstract scenes from a single paper element, both artists allow their pieces to emerge intuitively from their creative processes. So even if Jo Ann Alford & Elizabeth Darrow are moving closer to “wrapping up” their artistic journeys … their ever innovating work will continue to develop and inspire!
Gallery events are always free and open to the public. On view along with these exhibits, Art in Bloom Gallery showcases a plethora of fine art by over 30 local artists. Art in Bloom is open Monday–Thursday 10am-5pm, Friday – Saturday 10am–6pm and Sunday 12-5pm at 970 Inspiration Drive, Mayfaire Town Center, Wilmington, NC.
About the Artists
From weaving to watercolor, multimedia artist, adventurer & educator Jo Ann Alford continues to pursue her independent path. After studying fiber arts and calligraphy in the West Coast, Jo Ann returned to North Carolina to expand both her own creativity and the world views of her students. Though she finds herself more “settled” now in retirement, Jo Ann still has a wanderlust for life, within and outside of herself. She is currently focusing on nonobjective collage to offer a more open, personal invitation of her work.
About the series, Jo Ann says, “The first element that is adhered to the paper is a catalyst and may disappear as I respond to the lines, shapes, colors, textures, and negative space. As I travel across the surface, I enjoy the surprises that occur during the process. I’m always eager to see where my artistic journey will lead me.”
Multimedia painter Elizabeth Darrow has made Wilmington her home since 1977. Elizabeth has worked in oil and collage throughout her career, exploring a variety of abstract & figurative styles depending on her medium, but never works “from life” in the traditional sense. Most of the imagery that comes to her seems to hatch of its own accord, emerging from the process. Says Elizabeth about her newest works, “I enjoy playing with color and shapes and patterns, and watching their interplay … watching them take on a life of their own. It’s a magical process.”
In this exhibit, Elizabeth has incorporated patterns found in wrapping paper, and juxtaposed them with each other against a background of oil paint and gestural drawing to create something altogether new. “That may be why the show is called ‘Wrapping It Up’… Or maybe it’s because we’re wrapping up our artistic careers (a process that could take years)… Either way, it’s always fun to play and see what happens.”

Jengo's Summer Film Series: "The Grave"
2025-08-08 19:30 - 21:30 | Jengo’s Playhouse, 815 Princess Street, Wilmington, 28401
Two men escape from prison to search for buried treasure and get caught up in a web of greed and betrayal. A classic myth twisted into a suspenseful and deftly sarcastic tale set against the bizarre social structures of the south. The Grave stars Craig Shaffer, Gabrielle Anwar, Keith David and Anthony Michael Hall.

UNCW’s CAB Art Gallery Presents: “2025 Studio Art Faculty Biennial"
2025-08-11 - 2025-08-24 | CAB ART Gallery, 5270 Randall Dr, Wilmington, NC, 28403, United States
University of North Carolina Wilmington’s “2025 Studio Art Faculty Biennial” will open in UNCW’s Cultural Arts Building Art Gallery on July 31, 2025. A public reception will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
The exhibition will run through Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
The 2025 Faculty Biennial features current work in a diverse range of media explored by University of North Carolina Wilmington’s studio art faculty members:
Shannon Bourne, Rebecca Chappelear, Madison Creech, James Farley, Gene A. Felice II, Matthew French, Courtney Johnson, Katie Knoeringer, Anne Lindberg, Anna Pagnucci, Abby Spangel Perry, Ana Rankin, Loraine Scalamoni, Andi Steele, Taro Takizawa, Pam Toll, and Aaron Wilcox.
The exhibition was thoughtfully organized, hung, and presented by UNCW Art History alumni, Skye Dlugy-Hegwer.
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.
Summer gallery hours (May 22 – August 8, 2025) are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, closed on Friday. Regular gallery hours are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
For more information visit www.linktr.ee/cabartgallery

"Solvent" screening at Jengo's Playhouse
2025-08-13 19:30 - 21:30 | Jengo’s Playhouse, 815 Princess Street, Wilmington, 28401
While searching for Nazi documents in an Austrian farmhouse, a team of experts uncovers a hidden secret buried in its bowels. American expatriate Gunner S. Holbrook becomes obsessed with solving the mystery, and as his sanity wanes, he must confront an insatiable evil. Can he find redemption before it drains the life out of him?
The filmmakers, Johannes Grenzfurthner and Jasmin Hagendorfer, will be in attendance for the screening. They may or may not be the Ambassadors of Soviet Unterzoegersdorf who attended Cucalorus 30, but you’ll have to find out yourself!

V-J Day - 80th Anniversary Commemorating the End of WWII
2025-08-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, 120 South 2nd Street, Wilmington, NC, 28401, United States
Please join us on August 14, 2025 as we remember and celebrate V-J Day, On
this day 80 years ago, our servicemen and women who had served their country
at home and abroad were able to think about coming home and living in peace.
From 6 pm to 8 pm we will gather at the Hannah Block Historic USO /
Community Arts Center in Wilmington with a program of remembrance and
Celebration.

V-J Day 80th Anniversary Commemoration

Lyrics and Verse Featuring SolTree Reign
2025-08-14 19:00 - 21:00 | McErny Gallery at WHQR, 254 North Front Street, Suite 300, Wilmington, 28401, United States
WHQR and SpeakYaPeace NC Present: Lyrics and Verse Featuring SolTree Reign, a night of live music, poetry and art celebrating James Baldwin’s Birthday, happening August 14 at 7pm in the MC Erny Gallery at WHQR!
RSVP to this event by emailing rsvp@whqr.org or by calling (910) 343-1640 ext. 203! ($10 suggested donation)
Founded by Brooklyn-born, poet and artist Carrie Assata, SpeakYaPeace NC is a movement where poetry, music, and truth-telling build community and spark change.
At the center of that movement is SolTree Reign—a 5-piece band blending R&B, soul, and spoken word into a vibe that’s part movement, part meditation.
SolTree Reign features:
Mahlaynee Cooper – Vocals + Spoken Word
Royce Williams – Keys
Mike Hanson – Master Conga playa / Original Last Poet
Junious Fulton – Drums
Robert Bellamy (ScaleHamHawk Da Poet) – Percussion + Spoken Word
Additionally Featuring:
“Prism” – visual art by Taisha Benjamin
Join SolTree Reign and Speak Ya Peace NC in bringing an unforgettable night of live music, poetry, and power to the MC Erny Gallery — honoring the legacy and brilliance of James Baldwin.
The MC Erny Gallery at WHQR is located at 254 N. Front Street, 3rd floor.
