Stanly County Arts Council

Stanly Arts Guild presents Dwight J. Dennis Memorial Photography Exhibition and Competition
2026-03-07 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-14 10:00 - 16:00, 2026-03-21 10:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Stanly Arts Guild & Gallery, 152 West Main St., Albemarle, NC, 28001
We have so many talented photographers in our area!
Several years ago The Guild added an annual photography competition and exhibition to show off their talents. Sometimes the annual show would involve a particular theme, while other years will employ a “photographer’s choice” to allow photographers to enter photos of any subject they prefer. After all, we’ve all have our favorite topics.
Awarded prizes are 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 2 honorable mentions. Prize money will be $300 for 1st place, $200 for 2nd place & $100 for 3rd place. Honorable Mentions may be given at the judge’s discretion. All entries must be no more than 5 years old and must not have previously won a ribbon in a Stanly Arts Guild show.
Sponsors of this show are: Starnes Bramlett Jewelers and RLM Ventures
2026 Judge: William Dixon, Jr whose work can be viewed at: Cheetah1.smugmug.com
This show will be on display at The Stanly Arts Guild at their NEW LOCATION, 152 W Main St, Albemarle — Come on by!
This Exhibition will be on display until March 21, 2026.

Celebration of the ARTS
2026-03-21 09:00 - 14:00 | Stanly County Agri-Civic Center, 26032 Newt Rd # B, Albemarle, NC
A FREE event open to the public to learn more about the arts in Stanly County.
Student Art Show: 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. A list of participants will be shared shortly.
Artisans: a variety of artisans will have booths demonstrating their craft as well as selling their creations. A list of demonstrating artists will be shared shortly.
Information Booths: Each arts organization will have a booth to promote their upcoming events as well as recruit new members or volunteers. Arts-based businesses will be there selling their goods or available to answer questions about lessons, etc. A full list of exhibitors will be shared shortly.
Live Performances: Performances from choirs, bands, dance and theatre troupes will entertain audiences throughout the day in the auditorium as well as the lobby. The schedule will be shared shortly.
Creation Station: an opportunity to create your own art to take home with you! Learn water color techniques, how to combine colors while creating 3D sculpture with Model Magic clay, create a rhythm instrument, and more.
Local Authors: Meet local authors and peruse & purchase books they have written. A list of participating authors will be shared shortly.
Raffles: a chance to support the arts while taking a chance on winning great prizes
Awards Ceremony: at 1:45 pm we will announce the winners of the America 250 Art Contest, plus the 2026 Arts Person and Fine Arts Teacher of the Year! Don’t miss it!

Special thanks to our sponsors:
Uwharrie Bank
Juneberry Ridge
Creation Station: T.R. Lawing Realty & Atrium Health Stanly

Stanly Arts Guild presents Youth Art Show
2026-03-24 - 2026-04-11 | Stanly Arts Guild & Gallery, 152 West Main St., Albemarle, NC, 28001
This show is for Artists between the ages of 9 and 17 years old. Prizes are awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Places in two ages categories: ages 9-12, and ages 13-17.

Stanly Arts Guild presents High School Art Shows
2026-04-21 - 2026-06-07 | Stanly Arts Guild & Gallery, 152 West Main St., Albemarle, NC, 28001
Each year, the Stanly Arts Guild works with the local high school art teachers in Stanly County to host shows for the many talented students enrolled in their classes. This includes private, as well as public, high schools. The teachers and students get involved in setting up the shows that showcase and encourage the emerging talent we have in Stanly county. The shows are typically 1-2 weeks in length for each school, with a reception for the students & their families at the end of the show. There are no prizes awarded but there may be a graduating senior whose work is showcased for some schools. In these shows every entry is a winner, but the big winners are those of us viewing the show, as the talent and imagination of these young artists are truly amazing.
If you are a high school art teacher and would like to arrange dates to showcase the talent of your students, please contact our Art Show Coordinator at The Stanly Arts Guild:
Attn: SAG Art Show Coordinator
stanlyartsguild19@gmail.com

Stanly Arts Guild presents Spring Garden & Craft Show
2026-04-28 - 2026-06-06 | Stanly Arts Guild & Gallery, 152 West Main St., Albemarle, NC, 28001
After those cold winter days, we are just jumping at the chance to beautify our yards and enjoy being outside. Our customers love being able to shop for unique art for their patios, decks and yards.
Vendors are invited to sell their beautiful yard art creations so everyone can add what they like best to their yard, garden, porch, deck, camper, wherever they want to decorate nature! Come by The Stanly Arts Guild store to see what you might find.
If you would like to be a vendor for this show, you may find an application to download on our Annual Shows page, or you may stop by the Stanly Arts Guild to pick up a printed copy.

Stanly Arts Guild hosts Art For Mom! Workshop
2026-05-02 10:30 - 15:00 | Stanly Arts Guild & Gallery, 152 West Main St., Albemarle, NC, 28001
Bring in your children (ages 5-12) to make Art For Mom! Paint a flower pot, plant a flower, and make a card to Celebrate Mom! FREE (but space is limited: you can call to reserve your child’s pot to paint).
Partner Hint: bring the children to make a gift for Mom, and she not only gets a heartfelt gift from them, but she also gets a little “me time” while you whisk them away to make it! (bonus gift for mom – she’s usually putting herself aside)

Scholarship Application Deadline: High School Senior/College Freshman
2026-05-09 10:00 - 14:00 | Stanly Arts Guild & Gallery, 152 West Main St., Albemarle, NC, 28001
Stanly Arts Guild Scholarship
The Stanly Arts Guild has established an art scholarship to be awarded annually to a high school senior planning to enroll, or college freshman enrolled, in a visual arts or arts education program. The applicant must be a resident of Stanly County or an adjoining county (Anson, Cabarrus, Montgomery, Rowan or Union Counties). A total of $1000 will be awarded in June, and a check will be paid directly to the college in attendance of the scholarship winner. Application requirements must be completed and returned by 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 9, 2026 to be considered for this award.
The 2026 scholarship submission deadline is May 9th, 2026.
Applications for this scholarship are available at the Guild store during regular business hours or through the link on our website:
Scholarships

Stanly Arts Guild hosts Excess Art Supply Sale
2026-06-09 - 2026-07-03 | Stanly Arts Guild & Gallery, 152 West Main St., Albemarle, NC, 28001
Do you have gently used arts and/or craft supplies that you won’t be using?
Do you want to try something new?
Come see what artists are giving up (or maybe trying without the big expense of new).
This is our annual “yard sale” of creativity.
OR, Do you have Excess Art Supplies that you would wish to sell and pass along for someone else to try?

Stanly Arts Guild presents Art Show for Senior Living Residents
2026-06-09 - 2026-07-03 | Stanly Arts Guild & Gallery, 152 West Main St., Albemarle, NC, 28001
In 2019 we hosted our first local senior art show with Trinity Place, a local Home for Senior Living. Some of the artwork was created by residents in their 90’s! Studies show that seniors who participate in art programs have improved health, well-being, and independence. We enjoy showcasing these artists in Senior Care Facilities.

Stanly Arts Guild presents Summer Art Explosion
2026-07-14 - 2026-08-08 | Stanly Arts Guild & Gallery, 152 West Main St., Albemarle, NC, 28001
This is an “anything goes” type of show. There is no official theme. This show occurs during the long mid-summer days, and it’s just time for FUN art. We usually have a wonderful variety of art on display during this competition/show. Awarded prizes are 1st, 2nd & 3rd place for 2 categories – 2-D art, and 3-D art. This show is a wonderful opportunity for artists of all types to enter their work and perhaps walk away with a ribbon and cash prize for their creativity. All entries must not have previously won a ribbon in a Stanly Arts Guild show.

Stanly Arts Guild presents The Art of the Quilt
2026-08-11 - 2026-08-27 | Stanly Arts Guild & Gallery, 152 West Main St., Albemarle, NC, 28001
The Art of The Quilt: A Showing of Small Quilts by Three Rivers Quilt Guild
Three Rivers Quilt Guild will be displaying a collection of “small quilts” for your viewing enjoyment. These smaller quilts may be of any theme or style, but must be less than 36 inches wide.
Come by and make your vote for “Viewer’s Choice”!
