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May 7th Island Arts Poetry Thursdays: Florence Nash
Florence Nash is the author of two poetry books, Crossing Water and Fish Music, both by Gravity Press.
She was born in Tarboro, NC, graduated from UNC and, following 20-odd years of Life Outside the South, came back to settle in Durham, where she worked in Duke Medical Center, primarily as a writer/editor.
For 16 years she directed the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Poetry Workshop at Duke.
Her poems have been published in numerous periodicals and anthologies, and she is a member of the Black Socks Poets.
American Legion Workshop 2 Acrylic Abstract Painting
This program is Free to American Legion Members and their family and no artistic skills are needed.
The workshops are designed support the project’s objectives - Self Expression.
Workshops take place at the American Legion Pleasure Island Post 129 meeting hall, with all materials included.
We limit sessions to 8 participants to provide personalized support and a quiet space for emotional reflection and discussion.
Deadline for application 04/15/2026 Selection for each workshop is "First Come First Served".
Call for Artists
Call for Artists
Island Arts Council is proud to celebrate the beauty and stories of Cape Fear region with the new 2026 Regional Juried Art Exhibition, Echoes of Place: Artists’ Reflections of New Hanover County. The exhibition will be held August 1–15, 2026, at Fort Fisher State Historic Site in Kure Beach, North Carolina.
Artists of all disciplines are invited to submit original works that interpret the distinctive character of New Hanover County — its maritime heritage, coastal beauty, historic landmarks, and the communities that have shaped this remarkable region. The call for artists opens March 1, 2026, with a submission deadline of June 1, 2026.
Set against the storied backdrop of Fort Fisher State Historic Site, this exhibition pairs artistic expression with the rich history of New Hanover County. Works selected for the show will reflect the places, people, and stories that define this region — from the Civil War earthworks of Fort Fisher to the vibrant waterfront communities of Wilmington and the quiet shores of Pleasure Island.
To ensure historical rigor, the Council is partnering with esteemed historian Dr. Jan Davidson, whose education provides a foundational resource for artists seeking to interpret the region’s complex past—from the ramparts of Fort Fisher to the modern spirit of Pleasure Island and surrounding areas.
The gallery will be curated by Gayle Tustin, an acclaimed artist and arts educator with deep roots in the North Carolina coastal arts community. Tustin brings a discerning eye and a commitment to honoring authentic, place-based artistic expression. Her choices will showcase works that deeply explore the exhibition’s themes of memory, identity, and place.
Island Arts Council welcomes submissions from emerging and established artists across all media, including painting, photography, printmaking, drawing, sculpture, and mixed media. Works must be original, created within the past three years, and directly inspired by New Hanover County.
For more information:
Call for Artists
Call for Artists
Summer Art Exhibition at Bella Vita (formally Uncle Vinny’s).
It’s a fun beach, colorful theme and will include 6 to 7 artists with 2d and 3d artwork.
Click the button to apply
Uncle Vinny's "For the Love of Art"
Uncle Vinny's "For the Love of Art"
Uncle Vinny’s is proud to host the latest IAC Rotating Gallery exhibition, "For Love of Art."
Running from February 6th through May 1st, 2026, this showcase features six curated local artists who will debut and rotate new, incredible works throughout the season.
You are supporting local artists and businesses while enjoying the artwork!
Come Be Part of the Arts!
Featured Artist of the month
Current Exhibition
Joanne Durham – Artist’s Statement
I believe everyone benefits from some form of artistic expression, and poetry is mine. Poetry brings me into deeper connection with my own life and the lives of others.
I co-host the Island Arts Council’s Poetry Thursday free monthly poetry event that Kim Conway and I started in February 2025. We feature poets from all over North Carolina and include an open mic with exciting local participants. Everyone is welcome to listen, learn, and enjoy.
My first poetry book, To Drink from a Wider Bowl, won the Sinclair Poetry Prize (Evening Street Press 2022). It is an homage to being an older woman, and the journey that led me here.
My second book, On Shifting Shoals (Kelsay Books, 2023), reflects on living in Kure Beach since 2012−the beauty of the ocean, environmental concerns, and humorous, surprising, and evocative experiences I’ve had here. A third poetry collection is on its way this summer.
I’ve been writing poetry all my life, but I only began publishing it in 2018. Over 100 of my poems can be found in literary journals and anthologies. You can read some of my poems, as well as interviews, videos, reviews of my books and where to find them at my website, https://www.joannedurham.com.
If you’re local, shoot me an email at joanne@joannedurham.com to arrange for a signed copy!
I teach poetry classes at OLLI in Wilmington and online and am always open to reading and talking about poetry at libraries, book clubs, schools and other events.
Check out my website for details. I love sharing poetry with everyone I can!
Immersive Reflections: A Gallery of Featured Artist
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We appreciate Lamar Advertising for their support of the Featured Artist of the Month and Island Arts Council's events.
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