We feature a variety of work from local and regional artists at the Wilson Arts Center. Exhibitions rotate approximately every two months, with opening receptions held on Thursday evenings. All gallery exhibits and artist receptions are free and open to the public!

Click the Know Before You Go button for more information about what to expect when you visit.

The exhibition opens with a public reception on Thursday, April 9 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Truist Event Gallery. Visitors will have the opportunity to view the artwork, meet the artists who are in attendance, and be present as the winners are announced. Cash prizes will be awarded as follows: $500 for first place, $250 for second, and $100 for third.

Esteemed artist and arts educator Maureen O’Neill juried the show, selecting the exhibited works and judging the awards. She will give a short juror’s talk during the opening reception.

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.

Wilson’s own Juan Carlos Duron-Martinez, who placed 2nd in last year’s show, is a returning artist in 2026. Other local talents who were juried into the 2026 exhibition are Yolanda Martinez Bracho, Cambron Farris, Jane Gardner, Gwen Hardie, and Kathy Riggs.

“I’m excited to see such a great representation by our local artists each year, as well as many returning artists invited back,” said Dee Dee Oliver, Wilson Arts’ Visual Arts Coordinator. “This show is always a favorite for the diversity of work, which changes every year based on the vision of the juror. This year’s juror Maureen O’Neill did an amazing job curating the show and we look forward to hearing her discuss her process of choosing the work at the opening.”

Supported again this year by Farris & Thomas Law, the exhibition continues to be one of Wilson Arts' most celebrated events. Both the opening reception and exhibition are free and open to the public.

This annual event offers a unique opportunity to experience a compelling array of contemporary art while supporting the creative voices of our community and beyond.

The gallery gift shop is located near the reception desk inside the Truist Event Gallery at the Wilson Arts Center. Featuring local and regional artists, items rotate in sync with exhibition changes, offering fresh inventory throughout the year. While we will 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.

April 9 - May 14
6th Annual Multi-Media Juried Exhibition

May 28 - June 30
Sculpture Invitational

July 16 - August 20
Tom Braswell Exhibition

September 17 - November 8
ArtSuite: Renzo Ortega and Pete Sack

November 19 - December 23
Holiday Invitational