The 28th annual Orange Street ArtsFest begins on Saturday May 25 and runs through 5 p.m. on May 26.
The arts and craft street fair is held in downtown Wilmington at the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center, 120 S 2nd St., between Orange and Dock streets, in conjunction with the Thalian Association Community Theatre.
Wilmington’s largest spring art event includes a juried art exhibition with more than 90 artists from North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee selling their works. Artists will be vying for awards as well as up to $550 in prize money.
Artists will exhibit oil and watercolor paintings, pottery, jewelry, and wood, glass and paper creations from indoor and outdoor booths. There will be high-end pieces for collectors, arts and crafts, and everything
in the middle.
There’s a lot of good quality art contained in a small area, says potter Brian Evans.
“It’s a mix of everything,” Evans says. “You have high end painters like Bradley Carter and Debra Bucci.”
Bucci is known for her vibrant floral paintings. Carter, whose art was featured in the April 2024 Wrightsville Beach Magazine, has consistently participated in the Orange Street festival for many years.
His expressionistic works give a sense of movement and emotion.
He is known for his abstract flower series which has basically one intended feeling. Joy.
“I am working on a bunch of new flowers, abstracts, and books. I used to try and guess what would sell better at certain events and I was always wrong. So, I just try and bring a good mix,” says Carter.
Evans, Orange Street Pottery instructor and executive president, will have a booth indoors. He is bringing new work plus older favorites.
“I have a new body of work that’s more organic,” says Evans.
He’s also going to bring back some of his older styles, trying to tap into an audience that will be out shopping for gifts.
There will be music and food vendors. The event is free.
Mark your calendar!
- May 25th – 26th
- 28th Annual Orange Street ArtsFest
- Downtown Wilmington