 Known for its strong arts community, the Cape Fear Coast offers endless opportunities for arts lovers to explore music, theater, visual art and dance.
Arts Council of the Lower Cape Fear
Founded in 1972, this private, non-profit group offers grant support for local artists, cultural organizations and educational programs and hosts cultural events. 807 N. Fourth St., Wilmington. 910-762-4223.
Brunswick County Arts Council
Since 1981, this group has provided assistance for local arts groups, including grants for artists and educational programs and classes. 910-842-7774.
Pender County Arts Council
This council supports arts in Pender County by hosting classes for children, art shows and by supporting local artists. 200 W. Freemont St., Burgaw. 910-259-4891.
Thalian Hall
Perhaps the essence of the arts community in Wilmington, Thalian Hall for the Performing Arts is one of the oldest theaters in the country. Opened in 1858, the theater hosts 250 performances each year in its Main Stage, Grand Ballroom and Studio Theatre. Thalian Hall also offers programs for area schoolchildren. 310 Chestnut St., Wilmington. 800-523-2820. www.thalianhall.com
Louise Wells Cameron Art Museum
This museum is dedicated primarily to exhibiting and preserving art from North Carolina. In 2002, Cameron Art Museum doubled its space to 42,000 square feet when it opened up a new facility. The museum offers a permanent collection of North Carolina and American art from the 18th century to the present. 3201 S. 17th St., Wilmington. 910-395-5999. www.cameronartmuseum.com
Wilmington Art Association
This organization promotes visual arts by allowing local artists the chance to exhibit their work in its gallery. The Wilmington Art Association also hosts workshops and funds scholarships for students. It is located at Chandler’s Wharf at Ann and Water Streets. 225 S. Water St., Wilmington. 910-343-4370. www.wilmington-art.org
Opera House Theatre Company
In its 21st year, the Opera House Theatre Company puts on five mainstage productions and several studio productions throughout the year. The 2006 season includes Sweet Charity, Peter Pan, 1776 and Little Shop of Horrors. The group performs at Thalian Hall. 910-762-4234. www.operahousetheatrecompany.net
Wilmington Symphony Orchestra
Led by conductor Steven Errante, the orchestra performs in Kenan Auditorium at UNC Wilmington. In addition to its youth orchestra and educational programs at area schools, the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra provides a free family concert every year. 910-791-9262. www.wilmingtonsymphony.org
Kenan Auditorium
On the campus of UNC Wilmington, Kenan Auditorium hosts the school’s theater and music productions as well as the Wilmington Symphony and the North Carolina Symphony. 601 S. College Road, Wilmington. 910-962-3500. www.uncw.edu/kenan
City Stage Theatre
Located on the fifth floor of the Masonic Temple Building, this theater was created in 1914. Once owned by film star Dennis Hopper, the building was recently renovated to include a rooftop bar, and Level 5 at City Stage opened as a bar and theater in 2000. 21 N. Front St., Wilmington. 910-342-0272.
Tabula Rasa
The only public, not-for-profit classroom and darkroom in eastern North Carolina, Tabula Rasa provides the equipment and supplies needed for developing black-and-white film. Photographers must pay for their own film and paper and a small per-hour fee while developing. Tabula Rasa also offers classes and private instruction. 19 S. 16th St., Wilmington. 910-251-9296. www.tabularasa-nc.org
Acme Art Inc.
This community of artists housed in 18,000 square feet hosts guest artists, exhibits, performances, poetry readings and concerts. 711 N. Fifth St., Wilmington. 910-763-8010. www.acmeartstudios.com
Blues Society of Lower Cape Fear
Formed in 1987, this blues society hosts concerts and events including the Cape Fear Blues Festival in July, which features regional and national acts. 910-350-8822. www.capefearblues.org
Chamber Music Society of Wilmington
This group performs traditional and contemporary masterworks in Thalian Hall. Discussions before performances add to the experience of the audience. 910-343-1049. www.chambermusicwilmington.org
Cape Fear Jazz Society
Celebrating it 26th year in 2006, the Cape Fear Jazz Society presents a variety of jazz productions including Jazz in the Park at Hugh McRae Park and the North Carolina Jazz Festival held every February. 910-392-1200. www.capefearjazz.com
Franklin Square Gallery
Displaying works by local and regional artists, Franklin Square Gallery also offers art classes and a pottery studio. It also houses the Associated Artists of Southport. 130 E. West St., Southport. 910-457-5450. www.franklinsquaregallery.org
PHOTO COURTESY OF NC DIVISION OF TOURISM, FILM AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENT
|
