What's Happening!
2025 Was a Very Artful Year!
Our committees, artists, volunteers and local businesses worked hard to bring many programs, events and activities to our island community.
Take a look of the 2025 Year in Review.
We are looking forward to 2026!
Come Be Part of the Arts!
February's Poetry Thursday Featuring Dina Greenberg
Island Arts Council’s Poetry Thursday
Thursday, February 5, 2026, 6-8pm.
Jack Mackerel’s Island Grill (back room), 113 K Ave., Kure Beach, NC 28449
Featured poet: Dina Greenberg, author of “Prayers for the Lost and the Living”
An open mic follows the featured poet. Sign up when you arrive.
Food and drinks available for purchase.
Wilmington resident Dina Greenberg’s cross-genre works have appeared in literary journals and publications throughout the US and internationally. She has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize, Best Small Fictions, and The Millions. Her debut novel, Nermina’s Chance, won the 2022 Firebird Award in literary fiction. She holds an MFA from UNCW, where she served as managing editor for the literary journal, Chautauqua. She was awarded a 3-month Fulbright Scholarship spent in Kosovo in winter 2025-26, exploring the role of ethnic Albanians in helping to shelter Jews transiting the former Yugoslavia during World War II. Join us in welcoming her back home and enjoy a thoughtful evening of creative writing and friendship.
Members Only Call for Artists: Uncle Vinny's For Love of Art Gallery Show
The Island Arts Council is thrilled to announce an exciting new venue for our Rotating Gallery program. Uncle Vinny's is hosting "For the Love of Art" gallery show that runs from Feb 6th to May 1st, 2026.
Join us on February 6th for an exciting gallery opening featuring engaging activities and delicious catering provided by Leaf n Love and beverages from Empire Wine.
To ensure a high turnout of art enthusiasts, the event and ongoing gallery show will be cross-promoted by both the IAC and Uncle Vinny's.
✨ Highlights:
- 6 to 7 artists will be selected
- Exhibits will have QR codes for patrons to purchase your artwork
- No consignment fee!
- You can rotate your artwork during the gallery show.
Your involvement means the world to us. Together, we can make a vibrant art-filled future for our beautiful beaches.
To apply, click the button below.
New for 2026 Healing Arts
We are thrilled to offer a new art series for our community. These workshops are designed and lead by professional art therapists and IAC artists.
Art therapy uses creative expression (drawing, painting, sculpting) in a relaxing setting to improve well-being by helping people process trauma, reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and develop coping skills, especially when words fail; it provides a non-verbal outlet for exploring feelings, fostering resilience, and gaining new insights, acting as a powerful complement to traditional therapy.
Clay Community Healing Arts is lead by Carol Geary who has over 20 years of experience in clay art. Meg McGrew, a professional art therapist, will help participants understand the meaning and symbolism in their artwork to gain insights and develop coping strategies.
This program is free for participants living on our island. It is funded by the Art Council of Wilmington and New Hanover County and Stoked Restaurant.
IAC Members and Their Guests!
IAC Members and Their Guests!
Mark your calendars for the annual Shuvunda Party. Great way to pass along those gifts that you would shove under the bed and get something that you will enjoy.
Bring a friend to introduce them to the IAC. Come meet old friends and new members.
It's a time to kick off 2026 and learn about our upcoming programs and events.
Island artist of the Month
Doreen Turgeon
Artist Doreen Turgeon is known as the "Pot Lady" on the island for the colorful pots she paints.
Doreen is on the Island Arts Council Board of Directors and has participated in many art events around the island. Her beautiful paintings can be seen on pots, surfboards, and more!
Thank you Lamar Advertising for supporting the arts on the island!