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.

29th Annual Northwest Artist’s League Juried Competition On display from April 18 until June 13 at the Wilkes Art Gallery. Artists throughout North Carolina and the southeast are invited to enter the 29th Annual Northwest Artist’s League Juried Competition. Each year the NAL 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. Participants may choose to enter any or all of four categories: Paintings, Drawings and Original Prints, Miniatures, Sculpture, Pottery and Fibers, or Photography. More than $2000 in awards plus prizes for Best In Show and People's Choice will be presented at this year’s competition. Judging the show will be Chuck McLachlan, an oil and watercolor painter from Greensboro. All works must be delivered by hand to Wilkes Art Gallery on: Thursday, April 10 from 10am to 4pm, Friday, April 11 from 10am to 4pm, or Saturday, April 12 from 10am to 1pm. Entries will not be accepted after 1pm on Saturday, April 12.The show will run from April 18 through June 13 with an Opening Reception and Awards Presentation on Friday, April 18, from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Spontaneous Color: Original Works by Chuck McLachlan On display from April 18 until June 13 at the Wilkes Art Gallery. This exhibit will feature original paintings in oil and watercolor by Greensboro artist, Chuck McLachlan. Chuck has a professional background in Commercial and Graphic Art and has retired from a career as an Advertising Executive. He now focuses his artistic talents on the finer points of painting, teaching, and lecturing. He is actively teaching workshops around the country. This exhibit will be on display from April 18 until June 13 with an opening reception on Friday, April 18 from 6:00-8:00 pm.

Start with the Arts Classes meet each Saturday for 15 weeks, beginning Saturday, February 2. This series of classes will be instructed by local artists, craftspeople, and educators for children ages 3 to 5 each Saturday for 15 weeks beginning on Saturday, February 2. Participants and their parents will study many curricula including drawing, painting, storytelling, drama, ceramics, sculptures, and more. The Wilkes Art Gallery is pleased to work with the Wilkes County Library to collaborate on this program. Classes meet from 10:00 to 11:00 am. Cost is $5 per child, maximum cost per family of $10. Registration is required. Each session limited to 10 participants. The first class will be a storytelling and drawing collaboration between the Wilkes Art Gallery and the Wilkes County Library. For more information on how to register your child, please contact the Gallery at 336.667.2841.