2026 Miniature Masterpieces Classic Fundraiser
We are gearing up for the next Miniature Masterpiece fundraiser! This beloved event continues to grow each year as more new artists bring their unique styles into the mix.
For those who may not know about this fun event, it begins with YOU! Wilson Arts lends out 8” x 8” canvases for artists to create a mini masterpiece. There is no set theme: you bring your own creative style or subject matter of your choosing. When completed, you bring back your masterpiece to the Wilson Arts Center. Once all the works have been turned in, the tickets go on sale with all the proceeds going towards art education programming for the year. This interactive fundraiser brings so many of our local artists together for a great cause and everyone is excited to see who ends up with their Miniature Masterpiece!
This year’s Miniature Masterpieces will be on display beginning early March in the Truist Event Gallery, with the fundraiser taking place on Thursday, March 26 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
CALL FOR ARTISTS
Artists may pick up a canvas at the reception desk during our regular hours of operation. This event includes 3D artists who are welcome to donate their own creation within the 8” x 8” parameters such as a small sculpture or pottery. All Miniature Masterpieces must be returned by Saturday, February 14 to be a part of the event. All participating artists will be invited to attend the second half of the event!
If you have additional questions, please reach out to Visual Arts Coordinator Dee Dee Oliver at deedee@wilsonarts.com
2026 Miniature Masterpieces: Junior Art Swap
Young artists are invited to take part in inaugural Youth Miniature Masterpieces, a one-of-a-kind creative experience that combines art-making, surprise, and celebration!
Each participant will create an original artwork on an 8” x 8” canvas provided by Wilson Arts, then return for a special showcase event where the magic happens. At the event, artists will draw a number within their age group and go home with a mini masterpiece created by one of their peers—a fun and meaningful way to celebrate creativity and community.
Artists are welcome to work in any medium suitable for canvas—paint, drawing, mixed media, or other creative approaches—allowing each child to express their unique style.
To ensure a positive and fair experience for all participants, artists will be grouped by age:
- Ages 5–7
- Ages 8–10
- Ages 11–13
- Ages 14–17
The culminating event will take place on Saturday, March 28, from 4:00–6:00 p.m., and will feature an upscale, kid-friendly atmosphere complete with fun snacks, a photo booth, and plenty of opportunities to admire the artwork.
- Cost: $25 per child (includes canvas and event admission – does not include materials for artmaking)
- Adults: One adult included per child; additional adults may attend for $10 each
- Capacity: Limited to 100 youth participants
This is a perfect opportunity for young artists to create, connect, and experience the joy of sharing art in a memorable setting.
To participate in this event, please visit the Wilson Arts Center to pick up a canvas and pay. All Miniature Masterpieces: Junior Art Swap pieces must be returned by Saturday, March 14 to be a part of the event.
Accessibility Note:
We want this event to be accessible to all youth! A scholarship fund has been set up to assist those who may need financial help to participate. Please contact Dee Dee Oliver, Wilson Arts Visual Arts Coordinator, at deedee@wilsonarts.com or by phone at 252-291-4329 x 102 for more information.
6th ANNUAL NATIONAL MULTI-MEDIA JURIED EXHIBITION
EXHIBITION DATES: April 9 – May 14, 2026
Opening Reception: Thursday, April 9/ 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Wilson Arts Center / 204 Nash St S
Sponsored by: Farris & Thomas Law
Winners will be announced at the opening reception on Thursday, April 9 from 6:00 to 8:00p.m. and it is free and open to the public. Cash prizes of $500 for first place, $250 for second, and $100 for third will be awarded.
Juror
Maureen O’Neill received her B.F.A. in Painting from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and her M.F.A. in Painting from the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, RI. While at RISD, she received the Award of Excellence for outstanding work as a graduate student and the Brown University Teaching Fellowship. O’Neill has exhibited her work extensively throughout the region and has recently developed workshops that focus on drawing and meditation. She is the Director of Exhibitions and Educational Programming for the Barton College Art Galleries and Assistant Professor of Art. She was the recipient of the Lincoln Financial Faculty Member of the Year Award in 2021.
Deadline: March 6, 2026, 11:59 p.m.
Entry Fee: $30
To submit, artists will have to create an account on www.CallForEntry.com. Setting up an account is free. Artists must submit their entry fee and artworks for consideration through CaFE. Wilson Arts will not accept works submitted via email. Up to three (3) pieces may be entered. Each artwork may be represented by only one image to be scored by the juror via CaFE. Images of works accepted will be retained by the Arts Center for its permanent records and publicity purposes. Digital Images must be uploaded through CaFE. Each file must be identified by artist name, entry number, and title. Entry Materials are due no later than midnight (EST) on March 6, 2026.
We will not accept email submissions. If you have specific questions regarding the show, please email deedee@wilsonarts.com
Film /Animation entries must specify any special instructions needed for display.
Artists will be notified of acceptance and invitation into the exhibition by email beginning the week of March 8, 2026. Every artist will receive an email regardless of selection for the show.
Wilson Arts Exhibition, Gallery Shop, and Instructor Proposals
We often have requests from those interested in teaching a class, having work in the Gallery Gift Shop, or exhibiting work in the Truist Event Gallery. If that’s you, please utilize these forms.
If you have additional questions, please reach out to Visual Arts Coordinator Dee Dee Oliver at deedee@wilsonarts.com