Founded in 1962 in the parlor of art patron Annie Winkler's home, the Wilkes Art Gallery has experienced many transformations over the years.  Perhaps the most dramatic of these was the 2004 move into the renovated, original North Wilkesboro Post Office building located in the heart of downtown North Wilkesboro.  The Gallery's 10,000 square foot facility includes over 3,500 square feet of exhibition space, an education center with a complete ceramics studio, painting and drawing studios, two multi-purpose classrooms, and a Gallery Gift Shop.  The Wilkes Art Gallery provides quality educational experiences through exhibits, classes and workshops for all ages.  Art surrounds us all.  Join us in celebrating the arts and their value 24:7.

33rd Annual Northwest Artist's League Juried Competition and Exhibit On Friday, April 20 the Wilkes Art Gallery will host the Opening Reception and Awards Presentation for the 33rd Annual Northwest Artist’s League Juried Competition and Exhibition. The event is from 6:00 to 8:00pm with awards presented at 6:00pm. More than $1500 in awards plus a prize for Best in Show will be presented. The Wilkes Art Gallery is excited to host the 33rd Annual Northwest Artist's League Juried Competition and Exhibition from April 20 to June 2, 2012. Awards will be presented by jurors Lora Davis and George Kosinski at 6pm. Each year the Northwest Artist’s League Juried Competition showcases the diverse talents of local and regional artists and serves as a public introduction for many artists who are new to the area. The NAL show never fails to attract a wide range of artists who may choose to enter any or all of three categories: Paintings, Drawings, Mixed Media, and Original Prints; Sculpture, Pottery, and Fibers; and Photography. Hosted by the Wilkes Art Gallery, the NAL exhibit is sponsored by Quickframe, Inc. plus numerous local businesses and individuals. These include the Northwest Artist’s League, George and Elizabeth Forester, Beverly and James Cook, Sheila Brame, Cindy and Paul Christian Breden, Brad and Mel Shinaman, David and Connie McNeill.