Miss Sadie’s Garden

The plants flowers and trees that make up Airlie Gardens have their roots in the early 1900s when Sarah “Sadie” Jones transformed what had been the 155-acre Seaside Park Hotel property into a garden estate

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A View for Inspiration

The smell of fresh oil paints and a glow of natural daylight lures guests from the front door to the art studio — a room with a close-up view of the bridge from the mainland over to the enclave of Figure Eight Island. The backdrop is a pure Carolina coastal landscape with bold blue water…

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Under the Surface

The surface of Ohio-based artist Helen Lewis’ calming and uniquely beautiful encaustic paintings are subtly textured; every mark she makes contributes to the balance of their composition. And the surface quality that can be achieved through this technique is one of her favorite aspects of working with it. Encaustic painting involving a heated mixture of…

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Mr. Cobb’s Wild Ride

A couple of years ago Andy Cobb was persuaded to compose a corporate mission statement for his work installing his sculptures at public gardens and arboretums across the country. “What we do is enhance the visitor’s experience ” he says. It’s not a bad one. “Enhance the visitor’s experience” is short and succinct and sums…

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Thirty Years of Excellence

Steven Errante takes the baton for his third decade leading the Wilmington Symphony When the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra takes the stage in a new venue this September 30 years of leadership and love will be at the helm. Conductor Steven Errante has been leading the orchestra since 1986 and doesn’t plan to stop until his…

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Half a Century of Academic Excellence

Cape Fear Academy turns 50 Gene Miller vividly remembers the time 50 years ago when he was conscripted to provide free labor for a new building project. A group of Wilmington families envisioned a school that would be dedicated to academic success and preparing students for college. To make the vision a reality they needed…

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In-Water Boat Show

Downtown facilities on water and land bring a large boat show to town New Hanover County is ideal for boating activities because of the proximity to so many different bodies of water: the wide ocean the rolling river the Intracoastal Waterway plus inlets and tributaries galore. “Water here is the most clear blue-green water you’ll…

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Floating Masterpieces

Skilled craftsmen using chisels and planes the way an artist uses paints and brushes are working to preserve the beauty of classic boats.

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