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.

Artful Women: An Exhibit to Raise Awareness On display from June 25 until August 14 at the Wilkes Art Gallery. This exhibit will feature artful bras created by over 30 artists and cancer survivors. The exhibit will also feature original works by artists Betty Powell, Carolina Finley, Mary-Ann Prack, Kim Lewis, Orna Bentor and Judy McNeill. The bras have been designed and created in a variety of styles and themes. From Carolina Finley’s “Wizard of Bras” themed after the Wizard of Oz to Gloria Mastin’s “Hard Wear”, a steel and aluminum sculptural bra, there is truly one designed for everyone. The bras will be sold with the proceeds benefiting Wilkes Relay for Life. Artist Betty Powell has been instrumental in getting this project off the ground. She and fellow artists and cancer survivors Carolina Finley, Mary-Ann Prack, Kim Lewis, Orna Bentor and Judy McNeill will also be exhibiting their own works. Finley works in watercolor and mixed media. Lewis will be exhibiting fiber arts and photography. Bentor and McNeill will be exhibiting oil and acrylic paintings and Mary-Ann Prack will be exhibiting ceramic sculpture. Powell’s original pastels will also be included in the show. “Artful Women” will be on display through August 14. The Opening Reception is June 25 from 6pm to 8pm. This exhibit is sponsored by Yadkin Valley Bank, Cam and Tammy Finley, B&R Service, Paul and Cindy Breden and Benny Parsons Rendezvous Ridge Winery.

New Works by Christy Poteat On display from June 25 until August 14 at the Wilkes Art Gallery. “New Works by Christy Poteat” will be on exhibit in the Community Gallery from June 25 to August 14. Poteat is a native of Wilkes and was born visually impaired. Since an early age, she has been interested in art. As early as age 5, her talent was recognized as she was drawing familiar cartoons, trucks and other images in a style characteristic of children much older. Throughout her education, Christy has been tedious in learning a wide variety of media and techniques from a host of professional artists and art teachers. Her artistic experience has encompassed a variety of media including charcoal, graphite, pastel, etching, watercolor and oils. Poteat’s work has been featured in a number of solo and group exhibitions and is held in a number of private collections.