theArtWorks™ houses a 7K square foot gallery, artists studios, coffee shop, wifi, and more. The gallery gives artists a place to work their work, the community an event venue. Studios include workspace, individual galleries and shop. Meeting and classrooms are also available. And of course, the coffee shop and wifi enhances space for conversations, meetings, and social interaction.
The 2017 SilverArts competition will once again take place at theArtWorks™ at 200 Willard Street Wilmington, NC. TheArtWorks™ once housed the thriving Block Shirt factory, then the manufacturing of plastic plumbing, and most recently antique cars. But now this historic building is fast becoming one of Wilmington, North Carolina's premier art villages. Inside you will find an, “Art Village,” of over 50 working artist’s studios. Many of whom will be entering into the SilverArts competition.
SilverArts is a component of the Senior Games By the Sea, which is a state of NC sponsored program. Here in Wilmington it is called the “Senior Games by the Sea” and as of this year 2016 has officially become one of the YMCA yearly events supported with participating organizations such as the Wilmington Art Association. This program is a state wide Competition in numerous athletic events and an Art Competition in the 4 Art categories of theSilverArts, the Visual Arts, Heritage Arts, Literary Arts and Performing Arts.
This event and all the various categories are open to all NC residents age 50 and over.
“The SilverArts, is a celebration of the creative expression of seniors in North Carolina. It is a major component of the traditional athletic competition of North Carolina Senior Games. In a philosophy that strives to keep seniors healthy, active and involved, SilverArts unites the athlete and artist in a program that recognizes the similarities of both endeavors: discipline, dedication, and pride in one's accomplishments. SilverArts provides a stage for the creative talents of the visual, heritage, literary, and performing artists. Encouragement and recognition of creative potential and accomplishment is the goal of the SilverArts program.” In Wilmington this program is over seen by the board of the “Senior Games by the Sea.” The events are held throughout Wilmington between the months of April and May.
TheArtWorks™ is honored to host the SilverArts, as their Mission is to theArtWorks™ Mission is to Enhance the Community, Assist the artist, Contribute to the Revitalization of Downtown Wilmington. To Preserve Wilmington's commercial landmarks. Establish an international destination. To increase the livelihood of local artists and provide a place to create and display all types of art. TheArtWorks™ is an art village showcasing Wilmington’s vibrant visual, literary, and performing arts. TheArtWorks™ provides art studios, gallery space, educational opportunities, and an event venue with the mission to foster a creative environment for artists and enhance Wilmington’s cultural community through art. 50+ artists actively create and sell their work through studios in TheArtWorks™. The range of mediums for sale includes original, fine art, sculpture, jewelry, pottery, mosaics, photography, glass, block print, and unique handmade gifts. Their event venue has hosted, Literary Fairs, Cultural Programs, Fashion Shows, and many other events. They participate in the Forth Friday ArtWalks, and many resident artists are members of the Wilmington Art Association.
The Wilmington Art Association is in the 4th year of participating in the Silver Arts, by sponsoring three of the categories, the Visual Arts, Literary Arts, and the Heritage Arts. The Visual Artshas all the various sub-categories such as oils, acrylics,watercolor, photography, etc. plus sculptures. The Heritage Arts sub-categories include pottery, woodcarving, glass, jewelry, quilts and much more.All the Visual Arts and Heritage Arts sub-categories are judged separately with 2 different judges. Example: in the Visual Arts, the Oils category is judged separately from Acrylics, etc. Artists who win 1st,2nd and 3rd place in one of the sub-categories will have the opportunity to go to the State Finals which will be held in Raleigh this Fall.
With the participation of the Wilmington Art Association sponsoring the Visual & Heritage Arts of the SilverArts, the “Exhibition and Sale” was established to give artists an opportunity to sell their creations. Artists who have won first, second or third place and decide to go to the State Finals will only exhibit their work since the original piece that won the award can go to the finals. The “Exhibition and Sale” is open to the public at theArtWorks™ for three days from May 26- May 28.
The Wilmington Art Association sponsors this event at theArtWorks™, 200 Willard St., taking over the 7,000 square foot event space. TheArtWorks™ studios are open to visitors Fridays 10 to 6 and Saturdays 10 to 3 as well as Forth Fridays from 6 to 9pm.
Last year the SilverArts, brought in 360 art pieces in the various categories for the Exhibition and Sale from the Cape Fear Region artists. The Wilmington Art Association is pleased to report that the Visual and Heritage Art of the SilverArts have been recognized as the best and number one in all of North Carolina. With the help of artists entering the SilverArts theWilmington Art Association hopes to maintain the title of number one in 2017.
For more information about the SilverArts contact:
Marty Relan, Wilmington Art Association, SilverArtsCoordinator
