As we prepare for the exciting renovations planned for the Wilson Arts Center in 2025, we’re reworking—and sometimes reimagining—some of our existing spaces. Our beloved gallery gift shop will be relocated closer to the reception desk and reconfigured with a smaller footprint. This change not only makes the shop easier to maintain but also expands our gallery exhibition space, allowing us to better showcase art.
With this update, the gift shop will have the flexibility to rotate items in sync with each exhibition change, offering fresh inventory throughout the year. While we’ll continue to feature many of your favorite artists and popular items, this new approach creates opportunities to introduce exciting new pieces with every gallery opening.
The launch of our revamped gift shop will coincide with our first exhibition opening reception of the year on January 16. We can’t wait to share this new boutique experience with you, along with the same exceptional customer service you’ve come to expect!
Wilson, NC – The Oliver Nestus Freeman Round House and African American Museum, in partnership with the Town of Elm City and Wilson Arts are pleased to invite the public to attend a ribbon cutting for the recently completed Coach Harvey Reid, Jr. mural by artist Max Dowdle.
The ribbon cutting ceremony will be hosted by the Wilson Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, December 12 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at 101 W Main Street, Elm City, NC 27822.
The mural celebrates Elm City’s rich basketball history and the remarkable achievements of Coach Harvey Reid Jr., a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer. Over his 42-year coaching career, Reid, who also served as a math teacher and athletic director, became North Carolina’s all-time winningest coach according to the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA), with an impressive record of 816 victories and a 69-game winning streak. His profound impact as a mentor and educator in Elm City remains a source of community pride, even decades after his passing in 1991.
Artist Max Dowdle was selected from a competitive pool of applicants, with artists applying from as far away as Hawaii. This marks Dowdle’s second major mural project in the region, following his work last year on the African American Music Trail mural in downtown Wilson. His works are known for integrating local stories and community involvement to create lasting visual impacts.
“I am extremely honored as Mayor of the Town of Elm City, to have our town chosen to receive such a glimmer of hope that rides in on the brush strokes of Max, the partnership of Wilson Arts and the Oliver Nestus Freeman Round House Museum, and the generosity of the property owner, Russell Michael,” said Mayor Moore of Elm City.
“This mural is a tribute not only to Coach Reid’s athletic accomplishments but also to his lasting influence as a mentor who shaped the lives of countless students,” added Hardison.
Funding for the mural project was provided by the North Carolina Arts Council through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, designated to support public art initiatives across the state.
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About Wilson Arts: Since 1967, Wilson Arts has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for Wilson County residents by serving as a hub for enriching, educational, and entertaining artistic experiences. Through gallery exhibits, performances, arts education, and creative events, Wilson Arts plays a central role in supporting the arts community. Learn more at www.wilsonarts.com.
About the Oliver Nestus Freeman Round House and African American Museum: Opened in 2001, the Oliver Nestus Freeman Round House Museum is committed to preserving and showcasing African-American history, art, and culture. The museum serves as an educational resource for the community and the region, increasing awareness of African-American contributions to society.
About the Town of Elm City: Elm City is a small, close-knit town located along Highway 301 between Wilson and Rocky Mount, NC. With a population of approximately 1,300, Elm City prides itself on being a welcoming community where neighbors know each other by name. Visitors are always encouraged to stop by and experience the charm of our town.
“Second to the right, and straight on till morning.” That, Peter had told Wendy, was the way to the Neverland.
ACT! for Youth is excited to announce the cast for its next production, Peter and the Starcatcher.
The Orphans Boy (Peter) – Matt McKellar Prentiss – Finn Harwood Ted – Evan Whitehead
The British Subjects Lord Leonard Aster – Easton Ragle Molly Aster – Emma Townsend Satterfield Mrs. Bumbrake – Hailey Matthews Captain Robert Falcon Scott – Alden Whitehead Grempkin – Harper Daniels
The Seafarers Captain Bill Slank – Abbie Durrett Alf – Oscar Edwards Mack – Emma Du Sablon Black Stache – Nate Barberio Smee – Caroline McCauley Sanchez – Ben Winders
While Peter and the Starcatcher tells a story of what went before J.M. Barrie’s classic Peter Pan, we are also producing Peter/Wendy. A one act interpretation of the iconic adventures we all know so well, written by Jeremy Bloom. This production will be featuring young actors, grades 3 – 6. Auditions are set for Dec 2nd and 3rd with performances happening in rep with the concluding weekend of Starcatcher, February 1st and 2nd. Audition registration will be available at www.wilsonarts.com/afyauditions beginning Nov. 25th.
Wilson Arts seeks a friendly face, professional demeanor, and well-organized Arts Center/Box Office Attendant to be the face and positive impression of the organization.
ABOUT WILSON ARTS
Wilson Arts has a history of fifty years as a local arts agency since April 24th, 1967. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for all citizens by being the hub for artistic experiences that enrich, educate, and entertain Wilson County and beyond. Currently, we fulfill that mission through participatory and passive programming in visual, literary, and performing arts disciplines. Throughout the year, we offer more than six professional gallery exhibits, a professional performance series (the “Boykin Series”), a youth theater education program (known as ACT! For Youth, a student gallery exhibition series, educational workshops for adults and children, lectures, and camps in visual art and theater. We also offer support to large and small emerging arts organizations through our Grassroots Grant program.
ABOUT THE POSITION
Wilson Arts seeks to hire a part-time (15 – 25 hours per week). This position will report to the Office Manager and work with the public and closely with all Wilson Arts staff, volunteers, and patrons.
Essential requirements for this position are:
Positive Attitude: Maintain an upbeat, friendly, and welcoming demeanor in all interactions.
Observant: Stay attentive to both details and surroundings to ensure smooth operations and address potential issues proactively.
Presentable and Professional: Demonstrate a neat, professional appearance and attitude in alignment with the organization’s standards.
Flexible Work Schedule: Be adaptable to varying hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed for events and facility activities.
Team-Oriented: Ability to work collaboratively, building and maintaining strong relationships with facility users, community members, volunteers, and co-workers.
Passion for Community Engagement: Show enthusiasm for working with people of all ages and backgrounds, contributing positively to the inclusive and welcoming atmosphere of Wilson Arts.
The duties of this position require:
Answering and Directing Calls: Manage incoming phone calls and direct them to the appropriate staff members.
Greeting the Public: Offer a friendly and professional greeting to visitors entering the Wilson Arts Center.
Maintaining a Welcoming Front Desk: Keep the reception desk and surrounding area tidy and inviting.
Tracking Demographics: Record demographic information for visitors to assist with grant funding and reporting.
Answering Inquiries: Respond to questions from visitors and connect them with necessary resources.
Collaborative Teamwork: Support staff with various projects and tasks to meet organizational goals.
Processing Payments: Accept payments for classes, workshops, and tickets.
Art Inventory: Assist with cataloging and inventorying artwork in the center.
Supervising Rentals: Oversee the facility during rental events, ensuring compliance with contracts and venue policies.
Audience Management: Ensure that event attendees follow standard facility policies.
Reporting Issues: Alert staff to any recurring problems with renters and report any damages to the Office Manager.
Administrative Assistance: Provide administrative support to staff members as needed, including data entry, document preparation, and other organizational tasks.
This is a part-time hourly position with an hourly range starting at $11 per hour 3 to 4 days a week. It is preferred that applicants must be available to work Tuesday – Saturday from 9:45 a.m. – 6:15 p.m. and occasional nights and Sundays. In the near future, the organization would like to be open to the public on Sundays.
Qualifications
The qualified applicant will have at least two years of experience working in customer service and must be at least 18 years of age.
Personable, professional, and detail-oriented accompanied by strong customer service skills are a must. Arts Attendants may be required to work the occasional evening and Sunday depending on event schedule staff needs. Arts Attendants must have a love of the arts. Arts background is strongly encouraged, but not required.
To apply, please send a letter of interest and resume including a list of references to Amy Wahl at amy@wilsonarts.com.
Wilson Arts seeks an organized, hard-working, and proactive individual to maintain the cleanliness and organization of both the Wilson Arts Center and the Edna Boykin Cultural Center, as well as oversee rental events.
ABOUT WILSON ARTS
Founded on April 24, 1967, Wilson Arts has over fifty years of history as a local arts agency. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for all citizens by serving as the hub for artistic experiences that enrich, educate, and entertain Wilson County and beyond. We fulfill this mission through a variety of participatory and passive programs in visual, literary, and performing arts. Each year, we present more than six professional gallery exhibits, a professional performance series (the “Boykin Series”), a youth theater education program (ACT! for Youth), a student gallery exhibition series, educational workshops for adults and children, lectures, and visual art and theater camps. Additionally, we support large and small emerging arts organizations through our Grassroots Grant program.
Wilson Arts is seeking to hire a part-time Venue Support Specialist (15-25 hours per week). This position reports to the Office Manager and requires close collaboration with the public, staff, volunteers, and patrons to ensure that our facilities are clean, organized, and effcient.
ABOUT THE POSITION Wilson Arts is seeking to hire a part-time Venue Support Specialist (15–25 hours per week). This position reports to the Office Manager and involves close collaboration with the public, staff, volunteers, and patrons to ensure that our facilities remain clean, organized, and efficient. The work hours are typically in the evenings, Tuesday through Sunday, between 5:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., with some flexibility.
The primary focus of the position will be overseeing the facility during rentals. Due to the variable nature of rental schedules, this position also includes janitorial duties to support our existing part-time janitorial staff.
Essential requirements for this position are:
A positive attitude and professional demeanor
Strong observation skills and attention to detail
Excellent customer service skills and teamwork skills
Excellent customer service and teamwork skills
Flexibility in work schedule
A passion for working with people of all ages and backgrounds
Overseeing Facility During Rentals
Monitoring the Facility: Keep a close eye on the condition of the facility, ensuring it remains clean, organized and undamaged during the event.
Assisting Renters: Be available to answer questions and provide guidance on how to use the space properly
Enforcing Rules and Policies: Ensure that the renters and their guests comply with facility policies, safety regulations, and the terms of their rental agreement
Safety Oversight: Monitor for any potential safety hazards (such as spills, blocked exits, or overcrowding) and address them immediately.
Coordinating with Staff: Maintain communication with other staff members or the Office Manager to address any larger issues or emergencies that may arise during the rental.
Handling Emergencies: Be prepared to manage any emergies (e.g., fire alarms, medical situations) and know how to direct patrons to exits or respond appropriately.
Reporting Issues: Document and report any damages or violations of the rental agreement to the Office Manager.
Janitorial Duties include:
General Cleaning: Sweep, mop, vacuum, dust, and sanitize all areas, including restrooms, offices, and event spaces.
Trash Removal: Empty trash and recycling bins and replace liners as needed.
Restroom Maintenance: Keep restrooms clean and stocked with essential supplies.
Floor Care: Maintain floors through regular cleaning and occasional deep cleaning.
Supply Management: Monitor and restock cleaning supplies, notifying the Office Manager when more are needed.
Event Support: Perform basic maintenance tasks like changing light bulbs and report larger issues to the appropriate team.
Sanitization: Regularly disinfect high touch surfaces.
Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have at least two years of customer service experience, must be at least 21 years of age, and possess the ability to lift, push, or pull objects weighing up to 100 pounds using appropriate tools.
About Wilson: Wilson is a city in Wilson County, North Carolina, located approximately 40 miles east of Raleigh and 30 miles west of Greenville, NC. With a population of around 49,610 (Census 2012), Wilson was once known as “The World’s Greatest Tobacco Market.” Today, Wilson boasts a diverse economy based on agriculture, manufacturing, commerce, and services. The city offers a vibrant arts scene, including over 30 organizations and businesses centered around the arts, and is home to the unique Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park.
To apply, please send a letter of interest and resume including a list of references to Amy Wahl at amy@wilsonarts.com.
Pay Rate: $13 per hour
Applications are accepted through November 8, 2024
Pictured left to right: Kelly Lee, North Carolina Community Foundation; Clyde P. Harris Jr., Martha Cheatham Hunter and Dr. William C. Hunter Family Foundation; Cathy Hardison, Executive Director of Wilson Arts; Michael Moore, Board President of Wilson Arts
Wilson, NC The Martha Cheatham Hunter and Dr. William C. Hunter Family Foundation, a fund of the North Carolina Community Foundation, announced its intent to give $400,000 to support the remaining renovations at the Wilson Arts Center to include makerspace art studios over the next four years.
Clyde P.Harris Jr., fund advisor to the Hunter Family Foundation, said the gift was made in honor of his cousin, William Hunter, and was inspired by the recent $500,000 commitment from the Healthcare Foundation to support the project.
“William Hunter, who created and funded the family endowment, grew up in Wilson and was a graduate of Ralph L. Fike High School and Davidson College,” Harris said. “He then served in Vietnam. After his 2 years in the Army, William taught school at Christ School in Asheville and enjoyed tennis and traveling around the world. William’s younger brother, Ted, was born with physical and intellectual special needs and therefore he and his family always appreciated and supported programs and organizations that focused on those individuals,” Harris continued. “As Administrator of the family endowment fund, I try to follow those wishes with donations to organizations that fulfill this community need.” Harris explained.
Martha Cheatham Hunter and Dr. William C. Hunter were notable figures in Wilson, North Carolina. Martha was known for her compassionate nature and civic responsibility, contributing to various local organizations. Dr. William C. Hunter was also deeply involved in the community, and their legacy continues through the fund’s work.
Harris has a long-standing history with Wilson Arts, having served as president of the organization during its early years in 1977-1978. He currently continues his dedication to the arts as a member of the Trustees of the Endowment Committee of the Wilson Arts Center.
The Martha Cheatham Hunter and Dr. William C. Hunter Family Foundation has also played a pivotal role in launching Wilson Arts’ Creative program, which provides arts opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities.
“We are incredibly grateful for this generous gift,” said Michael Moore, President of the Wilson Arts Board of Directors. “This significant pledge will allow us to move forward with our vision for an expanded programming that will foster creativity, innovation and community engagement for years to come. While we still have funds to raise, this brings us much closer to our goal.”
The makerspace renovations are part of a broader effort to enhance the facilities and programming at Wilson Arts, ensuring that the community has access to state-of-the-art resources for artistic and creative development. The renovations will include expanded areas for woodworking, ceramics, jewelry making, and other creative disciplines. Central to this initiative is making the arts accessible to all people, which plays a crucial role in promoting mental health and overall well-being within the community.
Wilson Arts continues to be a cornerstone of the Wilson community, driving economic development, social cohesion, and cultural enrichment through its diverse programs and initiatives.
About Wilson Arts:
Wilson Arts is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Wilson through a variety of educational and artistic programs. With a commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and community engagement, Wilson Arts supports a wide range of creative endeavors and partnerships that contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of the region.
About the Martha Cheatham Hunter and Dr. William C. Hunter Family Foundation:
The Martha Cheatham Hunter and Dr. William C. Hunter Family Foundation, a fund of the North Carolina Community Foundation, focuses on supporting education, health care, economic development and environmental initiatives in communities where the Hunter family has a presence.
The North Carolina Community Foundation brings together generous people and connects them to causes and organizations they care about, with a focus on inspiring lasting and meaningful philanthropy in the state’s rural communities. For more information, visit nccommunityfoundation.org.
The Moonlight Swing Band gave Wilson Arts a portion of the proceeds from the band’s 10th anniversary celebration honoring the Sardams on May 16 at the Edna Boykin Cultural Center. Pictured from left with a ceremonial check for $2,000 are Noelle Pope, treasurer for the Moonlight Swing Band; Phil Mooring, band manager; and Cathy Hardison, executive director of Wilson Arts.
Wilson, NC. (August 7, 2024) – Wilson Arts is thrilled to announce the receipt of a generous $500,000 grant from the Healthcare Foundation of Wilson. This funding will support the construction of cutting-edge educational makerspace studios at the Wilson Arts Center, marking a significant milestone in the completion of phase 2 of our ambitious renovation project.
A makerspace is a community oriented workspace where people can come together to create, learn, and collaborate on various projects. Equipped with tools, materials, and resources that cater to a wide range of interests—such as woodworking, pottery, metalworking, and more—these makerspace studios will serve as hubs of creativity and innovation. The key idea behind a makerspace is fostering creativity, collaboration, learning, and a sense of community. Whether you’re a hobbyist, an artist, an engineer, or just curious, a makerspace provides the environment and tools to explore and create.
“The Healthcare Foundation of Wilson is a proud partner in this exciting project. The expansion will provide space for new programs that will be available for all ages of the Wilson community,” said Paula Benson, Executive Director of Healthcare Foundation of Wilson. “The programming proposed by Wilson Arts will offer many opportunities that support mental health and active living. We are also excited that this programming will be available to youth participants of Y-GIG, the after-school program funded by the Foundation.”
The grant comes on the heels of the successful completion of phase 1 in 2021, a $2.3 million endeavor that laid a strong foundation for the continued development of the Wilson Arts Center. With this latest financial boost, Wilson Arts is poised to finish the remaining renovation work and fully realize our vision of a vibrant, interactive educational hub.
As an organization now proudly debt-free, Wilson Arts is in a position of financial stability that will allow us to advance confidently into the next phases of our renovation project. The completion of phase 2 will not only enhance our facility but also expand our capacity to foster creativity and learning within the community.
The arts play a crucial role in promoting mental and physical well-being. Engaging in artistic activities offers a non-medical approach to mental health prevention, potentially reducing the need for more traditional health services. By nurturing creativity, individuals can take greater responsibility for their own health, maintain independence, and enhance their quality of life through the joy and fulfillment that art brings.
Scientific studies, including those available at the National Library of Medicine, highlight the positive impact of art on both mental and physical health. Art has been shown to increase serotonin levels, boost blood flow to pleasure centers in the brain, and promote new ways of thinking. These effects contribute to improved mental health, reduced anxiety and blood pressure, and an overall better sense of well-being.
Wilson Arts is excited to continue this journey and looks forward to the future with optimism, as we work to create a space where the arts can flourish and positively impact our community. If you are interested in making a directed donation towards the Wilson Arts makerspace project, please reach out to Cathy Hardison, Wilson Arts Executive Director, at cathy@wilsonarts.com or by phone at 252-291-4329 x 105.
