We feature a variety of work from local and regionally known artists at the Wilson Arts Center, rotating work approximately every two months with opening receptions held on Thursday evenings from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Visiting artist lectures take place at 5:30 p.m. All gallery exhibits and artist receptions are free and open to the public!
UPCOMING EXHIBITION: North Carolina Watercolor Society Juried Exhibition

October 2 - November 2
Opening Reception: Thursday, October 2, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Wilson Arts Center / 204 Nash St S
Sponsored by: Pegi Barnes-Sharp and Wilson County Tourism Development Authority
Founded in 1972 by Lexington artist and businessman A. Stuffer Myers, the Watercolor Society of North Carolina (WSNC) has been a cornerstone of the state’s art community for over five decades, officially becoming a nonprofit in 1979. This year’s show features 72 captivating watercolor works by WSNC members, showcasing the remarkable range, creativity, and skill of North Carolina artists.
The 2025 exhibition was juried by Michael Holter, an award-winning artist celebrated for his work in both watercolor and oil. Holter’s impressive résumé includes operating his own galleries, earning degrees in Art Education and Visual Communication, and being named a signature member of multiple prestigious art societies, including The American Watercolor Society and The National Watercolor Society. His paintings have graced private and corporate collections worldwide and have been featured in leading art publications such as The Art of Watercolor, Best of Watercolor, and Watercolor Artist.
Locally, the show has been made possible through the dedication of Pegi Barnes-Sharp, WSNC exhibition chair, accomplished artist, and proud WSNC member. Additional support comes from a $1,000 grant from Wilson County Tourism.
The exhibition opens Thursday, October 2 with a free public reception from 5:00–7:00 p.m. Guests will have the opportunity to meet artists, enjoy light refreshments, and be among the first to experience this breathtaking collection of work by both emerging and established watercolorists.
This is your opportunity to see North Carolina’s watercolor talent at its finest!
HOLIDAY INVITATIONAL 2025

Holiday Invitational Gala: November 13
5:00-6:00 p.m. - Hosts ONLY Preview Party
6:00-8:00 p.m. - Wilson Arts members only, RSVP required
Holiday Invitational Gallery Gift Shop open to the public
November 14 – December 23
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday in December
Wilson Arts is thrilled to continue the tradition of our annual Holiday Invitational Gallery Gift Shop!
Current members will receive an invitation by mail and must RSVP by Friday, October 10 to reserve their spot. Space is limited! We hope you will join us for this first look at the wonderful variety of handmade, artisan gifts including pottery, textiles, jewelry, sculpture, ornaments, and much more that will be filling our entire gallery space!
If you have questions about your membership or if you are a member and have not received your invitation in the mail, please reach out to the box office at 252-291-4329 or email boxoffice@wilsonarts.com
CHANGES TO GALLERY GIFT SHOP

As we prepare for the exciting renovations planned for the Wilson Arts Center's MakerSpace, we are reworking—and sometimes reimagining—some of our existing spaces. Our beloved gallery gift shop has been relocated closer to the reception desk and reconfigured with a smaller footprint. This change makes the shop easier to maintain and expands our gallery exhibition space, allowing us to showcase art better.
With this update, the gift shop is more flexible to rotate items in sync with each exhibition change, 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.
2025 Exhibition Schedule
October 2 - November 2
NC Watercolor Society Juried Exhibition
November 13 - December 23
Holiday Invitational Gallery Gift Shop
Holiday Invitational Gala - November 13
2026 Exhibition Schedule
January 8 - February 19
Wilson Active Artists Association Group Exhibition
March 3 - March 26
Miniature Masterpieces
Fundraiser event: March 26
