FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Cathy B. Hardison
Executive Director, Wilson Arts
cathy@wilsonarts.com
(252) 291-4329
www.wilsonarts.com/makerspace
Wilson Arts Announces $100,000 Challenge Opportunity to Advance MakerSpace Campaign
WILSON, NC — April 9, 2026 — Wilson Arts is inviting the community to rally behind an exciting new opportunity: a $100,000 challenge from Anonymous Trust that will double the impact of local support for its MakerSpace Capital Campaign.
If Wilson Arts raises $100,000 by July 31, the Anonymous Trust will match those funds unlocking a total of $200,000 to support the ongoing renovation and expansion of its downtown facility. This is an “all or nothing” challenge grant, meaning the full match will only be awarded if the $100,000 goal is met by the deadline.
“This is a powerful moment for our organization and our community,” said Cathy Hardison, Executive Director of Wilson Arts. “This isn’t funding that’s already in hand; it’s an opportunity. Every gift made between now and July 31 helps unlock these matching dollars and brings us one step closer to completing a space that is already taking shape and will soon serve Wilson for generations.”
The MakerSpace project will transform approximately 7,000 square feet of Wilson Arts’ existing building into a dynamic, hands-on creative hub featuring studios for ceramics, woodworking, metalsmithing, and more. The space is designed to support learners of all ages, provide workforce-ready skills, and foster creativity as a tool for mental wellness, personal expression, and community connection.
Wilson Arts has already raised $1.47 million toward the project, with construction currently underway and visible progress being made. The project began earlier this year to align with grant and funding timelines and is expected to be complete by the end of May. Total construction costs are estimated at $1.8 million, with additional funding still needed for equipment and program launch.
“This MakerSpace represents an investment in Wilson’s future,” said Blair Myers, Board President of Wilson Arts. “We’re creating opportunities for people of all ages to learn new skills, explore their creativity, and connect with one another. This challenge is an opportunity for our entire community to be part of something lasting and meaningful.”
“We’re asking our community to help us meet this moment,” Hardison added. “Whether it’s a first-time gift or continued support, every contribution matters. Right now, every dollar goes twice as far.”
Wilson Arts encourages individuals, businesses, and community partners to make a gift before the July 31 deadline to help unlock the full $200,000. Pledges can be made over three years, with flexible monthly, quarterly, or annual options. In addition to new contributions, increased gifts and lapsed gifts for the capital campaign over 18 months will count towards the challenge grant.
All donors contributing toward the project will be recognized as part of this transformational project.
For more information or to contribute, visit www.wilsonarts.com/makerspace or contact Cathy Hardison at (252) 291-4329 or cathy@wilsonarts.com.
About Wilson Arts
Wilson Arts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the cultural life of Wilson County through visual arts, performing arts, and arts education. Through exhibitions, classes, performances, and community programs, Wilson Arts serves thousands of residents each year and is committed to making the arts accessible to all.
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