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.

Nature's Way: An exhibit of photography featuring Erik Dahlager, Douglas Gross, and D. Rex Miller On display from January 8 until February 27 at the Wilkes Art Gallery. “Nature’s Way” features an astonishing display of technique and style through the portrayal of natural subjects. From studies of some of our most famous National Parks to intimate portraits of a variety of flora, these artists have covered the gamut in natural photography. Erik Dahlager grew up in Albuquerque and studied fine art and photography at the University of New Mexico. He currently resides in Traphill, North Carolina, next door to Stone Mountain State Park. He loves being in nature and the occasional full moon hike. All of the images Erik is displaying at the Wilkes Art Gallery are gumoil photographic images. Doug Gross splits his residency between North Wilkesboro, NC and Jonesborough, TN. Of his work, he writes, “I like things with buttons, knobs, and lights; so when I picked up my first camera it had buttons, knobs, its own light, a little door in the back and a spool thingy inside with nothing on it... keep in mind I was 8 years old and this was during the airing of the original Star Trek... yes it was my first Tricorder. I grew up no matter how hard I tried not to, and several years after my grandfather died I inherited his Kodak 35mm fully manual camera and light meter. I started to "play" with it, and I was hooked." Rex Miller resides in Watauga County. About his photographic journey and work, he writes: “My love of natural places and their wild inhabitants stretches back as long as I can remember. Growing up, I spent countless hours wandering the mountains and streams of northwestern North Carolina. Like backpacking, photography encourages a slower, more observant pace; I find the two interests imminently compatible." This exhibit will be on display from January 8 through February 27 at the Wilkes Art Gallery with an opening reception on Friday, January 8 from 6:00-8:00 pm.

Knitting: From Beginner to Advanced Class meets Wednesdays, January 13 to April 28 from 10:00 to 1:00 pm at the Wilkes Art Gallery. This class will meet Wednesday mornings from 10am to 1pm. Knitters come together for this weekly studio and instruction time to benefit from the knowledge of instructor Cynthia Sturdivant as well as each other. The fee is $60 for members and $65 for non-members. This course runs for sixteen weeks beginning on January 13 and continuing through April 28. Students can register after the start date for the course

Intermediate to Advanced Ceramics Class meets Tuesdays, February 16 to March 23 from 6:00 to 8:30 pm at the Wilkes Art Gallery. Instructed by Jane Maddocks. This class will meet Tuesdays beginning February 16 through March 23 from 6:00 to 8:30pm. This course will teach intermediate to advanced ceramic techniques including altering thrown forms, sculptural work, advanced glazing techniques and more. The cost is $100 for members and $115 for non-members.

Art in the Afternoon Class meets Thursdays, February 18 to April 22 from 3:45 to 4:45 pm at the Wilkes Art Gallery. Children ages 5-12 will enjoy this mixed-media afternoon class. Students will meet on Thursday afternoons from 3:45-4:45pm, February 18 through April 22. The fee is $75 for members and $85 for non-members.

Artist’s Open Studio Class meets Thursdays, February 18 to May 6 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the Wilkes Art Gallery. Meets Thursday afternoons from 1-3pm. This is an open studio time where local artists can come together to work and critique each other’s work. There is no fee to participate, however, registration is required. This studio begins on Thursday, February 18 and meets through May 6.

Beginning Clay Class meets Thursdays, February 18 to March 25 from 6:00 to 8:30 pm at the Wilkes Art Gallery. Instructed by Beth Horrell. This class will meet on Thursdays from 6:00 to 8:30pm starting February 18 through March 25. The course will teach basic handbuilding and wheel throwing techniques including work with underglazes and glazes. The cost is $95 for members and $110 for non-members, which includes your first bag of clay and all glazing and firing.

Mixed-Media Collage Class meets Tuesdays, February 23 to March 9 from 2:00 to 4:30 pm at the Wilkes Art Gallery. This 3 week workshop will be instructed by Betty Powell and will offer students an in-depth experience with mixed-media collage. This class will emphasize the principles of design, balance, contrast, movement, proportion, patterns, variety, and unity, as well as texture, shape, and color. The course will meet Tuesday afternoons from 2:00-4:30pm, February 23 through March 9. The fee is $70 for members and $80 for non-members.