ALBEMARLE — Later this month, the Stanly County Arts Council is set to host a free event at the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center where the general public can learn more about the local arts community.
Scheduled for March 25 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m, the Celebration of the Arts is slated to feature various performances, information tables, art displays, food trucks, raffles, and a creation station.
Additionally, the Stanly County Arts Council will announce the 2023 Arts Person and Fine Arts Teacher of the Year at the afternoon’s conclusion.
“Come celebrate all the wonderful things going on with the arts in Stanly County by attending the Celebration of the Arts,” the council said in an online announcement. “Come view the county-wide student art show, showcasing the best from each elementary, middle, and high school in Stanly County, plus work from the advertising, graphic design, and simulation and game animation students from Stanly Community College.”
As well as the art show, the upcoming event will feature live performances from choirs, bands, dance, and theater troupes in the Agri-Civic Center’s auditorium and lobby. Attendees can also interact with a creation station where they have the opportunity to create their own art to take home — options include marbelized paper, watercolor techniques, and rain stick creation.
Each arts organization will have information booths available to recruit new members and promote upcoming events; multiple arts-based businesses and artisans will also be selling their products from their booths.
The Celebration of the Arts isn’t the only upcoming event this month that the Stanly County Arts Council is promoting.
On March 22, the Stanly Arts Guild will officially begin the 2023 Youth Art Exhibition & Competition show that runs until April 1. The show is for artists in the 9-to-17-years old age range.
“Know a young artist? Be sure they know about this opportunity to show their work,” the council advertised. “The Stanly Arts Guild is sponsoring a Youth Art Exhibition and Competition this March. Take-in is scheduled for March 18th at the Gallery on North Second Street in downtown Albemarle.”
Per the competition rules, both 2-D art (including photography) and 3-D art will be accepted and judged in this show. First-place, second-place and third-place awards will be given in 2 categories, ages 9-12 & ages 13-17.
The Stanly Arts Guild is currently hosting the 2023 Dwight J. Dennis Memorial Photography Exhibition & Competition that began on Feb. 22 and finishes on March 18. The first-place winner will take home a $300 prize, while the second and third-place winners claim $200 and $100 prizes, respectfully.
The annual photo contest is named in honor of Dennis, a guild member who passed away in 2021.
More information on any of these art events or a potential membership application can be found at stanlycountyartscouncil.org and stanlyartsguild.com.