Wilmington Archives - Side Arts

Abstracts in America (Wilmington, NC) – Call For Artists

Abstracts in America (Wilmington, NC) – Call For Artists

[Verified Listing] ARTnNCevents proudly announces a call for artists for Abstracts in America, a premier national juried exhibition celebrating the creativity, innovation, and expressive power of contemporary abstract art. This national exhibition invites artists from across the United States to explore abstraction in all its forms, showcasing work that challenges convention and pushes creative boundaries.

Abstract art is far more than traditional non-objective painting. ARTnNCevents welcomes artwork that transforms reality through color, composition, perspective, texture, shape, pattern, movement, and imagination. If your artwork emphasizes expression over literal representation, explores new visual ideas, or invites viewers to experience the familiar in unexpected ways, it belongs in the conversation. From geometric abstraction and expressive painting to abstract landscapes, florals, figures, mixed media, photography, digital art, and sculpture, Abstracts in America celebrates the many ways artists interpret abstraction.

Whether your work begins with a recognizable subject that has been simplified, distorted, fragmented, or reimagined—or is completely non-representational—ARTnNCevents encourages you to submit.

Click here for the application / registration

Enter by: 30 August 2026

Being selected for Abstracts in America means more than simply having your work included in another exhibition. Artists become part of a national juried exhibition designed to showcase their work, expand their audience, and create opportunities for both recognition and sales.

Selected Artists’ Benefits

  • National juried exhibition recognition to add to their artist résumé, CV, website, and professional portfolio.
  • Professional exhibition of their artwork in Wilmington, North Carolina, with work presented to collectors, artists, arts supporters, and the general public.
  • Opportunities to sell original artwork throughout the exhibition.
  • Artist promotion through ARTnNCevents, including show marketing, social media, website exposure, and promotional materials.
  • Opening night reception, bringing artists and their work in front of invited guests, sponsors, collectors, and community supporters.
  • Fourth Friday participation, connecting the exhibition with Wilmington’s established monthly arts community and bringing an additional audience through the show.
  • Awards and recognition for outstanding work selected by the exhibition juror.
  • Connection with other artists from across the country, creating a diverse exhibition that puts each selected artist’s work into a broader contemporary conversation.

Most importantly, Abstracts in America is built around the artwork and the artists who create it. ARTnNCevents’ goal is not simply to fill a gallery for a weekend, but to professionally present, promote, and celebrate the artists selected for the exhibition.

About ARTnNCevents

ARTnNCevents creates art shows from an artist’s perspective. The goal isn’t simply to hang artwork on walls – it’s to create professionally produced events that give artists opportunities to exhibit, sell, connect with collectors, build their résumés, and become part of a larger creative community.

What makes the model different is the combination of juried exhibitions and event experiences. Opening receptions, community partnerships, nonprofit involvement, professional marketing, and carefully selected venues turn each exhibition into an event people actually want to attend.

There’s also a clear progression between the shows. An artist can participate in Make A Difference, Carolina Art Show, or Abstracts in America, with each exhibition offering a different theme, audience, and opportunity. ARTnNCevents isn’t trying to operate like a permanent gallery; it creates temporary, high-energy showcases built around the artists and their work.

For more information, contact Artnncevents@gmail.com

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Carolina Art Show (Wilmington, NC) – Call For Artists

Carolina Art Show (Wilmington, NC) – Call For Artists

[Sponsored Listing] ARTnNCevents announces a call for artists for their Carolina Art Show – Create Your Future. Showcase your creative talents and engage with art enthusiasts, collectors, and the broader community. The exhibition will highlight diverse artistic disciplines including painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, and mixed media. Explore new possibilities, envision brighter horizons, and connect through the universal language of art.

Click here for the application / registration

Enter by: 17 May 2026

The Carolina Art Show – Create Your Future is more than an exhibition—it’s an opportunity to connect, sell, and grow within a thriving artistic community.

  • A Proven, Engaged Audience: The inaugural event welcomed over 1,000 visitors in just one weekend, with a sold-out opening night. These aren’t just attendees—they are collectors, supporters, and art lovers ready to invest in original work.
  • Strong Sales Potential: Approximately 1 in 4 participating artists sold artwork, with an average sale around $600. The show is designed to attract buyers who value and purchase art—not just browse.
  • Professional Presentation in a Unique Venue: Hosted at the historic Station No. 2 in Wilmington, North Carolina, the setting creates an intimate yet elevated gallery experience that enhances how your work is seen and appreciated.
  • Meaningful Exposure: With regional marketing campaigns, media partnerships, and a growing reputation, the Carolina Art Show brings your work in front of a wide and diverse audience—both locally and beyond.
  • Support the Arts While Growing Your Career: Opening night ticket proceeds benefit a nonprofit partner, allowing artists to be part of something bigger—supporting creativity and community while advancing their own careers.
  • Built by Artists, for Artists: Organized by ARTnNCevents, the show is designed with the artist experience in mind—clear communication, professional execution, and a focus on making the event successful for everyone involved.

About ARTnNCevents

ARTnNCevents isn’t just an event organizer—it’s a platform built to elevate artists, engage communities, and create meaningful, high-impact art experiences.

  • Proven Track Record: From sold-out opening nights to thousands of attendees across multi-day events, ARTnNCevents consistently delivers shows that attract real audiences—not just foot traffic, but engaged collectors and supporters.
  • Artist-First Approach: Every event is designed with the artist in mind—clear communication, professional presentation, and a focus on helping artists succeed both creatively and financially.
  • Real Economic Impact: ARTnNCevents supports more than just artists. Each show drives business to local vendors, musicians, caterers, and venues—while also generating sales opportunities for participating artists.
  • Purpose-Driven Events: By partnering with nonprofit organizations, ARTnNCevents creates events that give back. Opening night fundraisers help support local causes, connecting art with impact.
  • Strong Marketing and Visibility: With strategic promotion across digital platforms, media outlets, and local partnerships, ARTnNCevents ensures that each show reaches a broad and targeted audience.
  • Professional Execution: From artist applications to event logistics, everything is handled with structure and experience—resulting in smooth, well-run events that artists, sponsors, and attendees trust.
  • A Growing Creative Network: ARTnNCevents brings together hundreds of artists, collectors, and supporters—building a community that continues to grow with every show.

For more information, contact bcarter.carolinaartshow@gmail.com

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Art In The Arboretum (Wilmington, NC) – Call For Artists

Art In The Arboretum (Wilmington, NC) – Call For Artists

[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] Friends of the Arboretum announce a call for artists for the 28th annual Art in the Arboretum. The art festival will feature 75 artists booths in the beautiful gardens, education center, and greenhouse of the New Hanover County Arboretum in Wilmington, North Carolina, on October 13th, 14th, and 15th.

Click here for the application / registration

Register by: 21 August 2023

Art in the Arboretum will have several opportunities for artists to display their work this year which include traditional style 10′ x10′ tent spaces in the gardens, 5′ x 10′ under-awning spaces outside, and 6′ x 9′ interior booth spaces in the Education Center and Greenhouse. The festival is open to seasoned show veterans to first-timers inside.

Friends of the Arboretum can’t wait to share all the exciting changes that they have made to the 28th annual Art in the Arboretum Festival including new prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place artwork; the new limited edition VIP ticket program for collectors; and advertising partners/sponsors.

There are over 1,800 Friends of the Arboretum members who have free admission to the event and another 2,000+ paying attendees each year.

About Friends of the Arboretum

The Friends of the New Hanover County Arboretum (i.e. The Friends) was created as a non-profit, 501 c (3) fund raising organization in 1986. Since then, it has provided financial support to the New Hanover County Arboretum for the maintenance of its gardens and their improvement. Over the years, it has supported special projects like the creation of the Contemplation Garden, improvements to the Children’s Garden (which will be completed this year), and the educational programs of Extension.

The Friends’ major fundraiser each year is the Art in the Arboretum Show and Sale which helps assure the Arboretum’s continuing development and preservation.

For more information, contact bcarter.arboretum@gmail.com.

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Spring Art Show (Wilmington, NC) – Call For Artists

Spring Art Show (Wilmington, NC) – Call For Artists

[Sponsored Listing] The Wilmington Art Association (WAA) announces a call for artists for their 40th annual juried Spring Art Show and Sale featuring new works from Wilmington and surrounding area artists.  The works selected for the show will include oils, watercolors, pastels, acrylics, photography, and a section of 3-D art.

During the North Carolina Azalea Festival, the 2022 Art Show and Sale will be held April 2nd through April 10th at the Hannah Block Community Arts Center (CAC), 120 S Second Street, from 10am-5pm, with extended hours of 5-7pm Friday, April 8th.

Click here for the application / registration

Enter by: 12 Feb 2022

Open to all artists 18 years of age and older. Artists may submit original two-dimensional (2-D) work and three-dimensional (3-D) work. The show is limited to works created from 2020 to the present.

$35 for WAA members current as of registration date. $45 for non-members.

Last year, the Spring Show was the only live event at the Azalea Festival because of Covid. WAA had a successful event and posted record sales for this show.

Spring Art Show Awards

  • First Place: $1000
  • Second Place: $750
  • Third Place: $500
  • Honorable Mentions
  • Memorial Awards
  • Donor Awards
  • People’s Choice Award

This will be my fourth year participating in this show. I have sold several paintings and met new collectors as I worked the floor for the organization. Also the opportunity to sell bin work has made the show even more attractive to potential buys. – David Meffert, Plein Air Painter

About Wilmington Art Association

The Wilmington Art Association is an all-volunteer organization founded 51 years ago. It is dedicated to supporting arts and artists in the area through outreach efforts and scholarships. The Wilmington Art Association is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Corporation as defined in the IRS Code. The WAA educates members and the public in visual arts, provides community support through school arts funding and scholarship assistance to deserving college students, and facilitates exposure for emerging and professional artists.

For more information, contact bradleycarterwaa@gmail.com.

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