ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – Autumn Hues: A Collection of Diversity, the newest exhibit coming to The Mims Gallery at The Dunn Center, is a beautiful collection of works from the Wilson Active Artists Association. This free, colorful exhibit will run from September 1 to October 28, 2022 and is open to the public. A reception will be held on Thursday, September 1 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
The Wilson Active Artists Association is one of the longest running nonprofit organizations in Wilson, North Carolina. Founded in 1965, its mission is to help promote art in Wilson. Over time, the Association has grown from its original eight members by providing opportunities for its artists to showcase their work in Wilson and the surrounding areas, as well as having education and awareness classes.
“I’m thrilled to be having the Wilson Active Artists showcasing their work in the Gallery. The chance to work with such a talented local group of artists was too great to pass up,” stated Greg Purcell, Art Curator for The Dunn Center.
Wilson Active Artists Association works in a variety of mediums which include paintings, flow art, sculpture, ceramics, pottery, jewelry and fiber art. The Association is always welcoming new members not only from Wilson, but eastern North Carolina as well. For more information about the Wilson Active Artists Association, visit wilsonactiveartists.com.
Upcoming shows at The Mims Gallery include:
- Connections featuring the work of Kim Valentine & Tracey Penrod from November 3, 2022 – January 2, 2023
- A Colorful Chaos by artist Delayna Robbins from January 19, 2023 – March 9, 2023
- Action Paintings by Wes Day from March 16, 2023 – April 27, 2023
- Just Imagine by Mark Cole from May 4, 2023 – August 4, 2023
About The Dunn Center
The Dunn Center is a premier venue for concerts, shows, exhibits and conferences in eastern NC. Located on the campus of NC Wesleyan University, in the heart of Rocky Mount, The Dunn Center is proud to host the Wesleyan Season Series of cultural events and concerts. In addition to these world-class performances, The Dunn Center features a variety of campus and community events, including Wesleyan Players productions, concerts of the Tar River Swing Band and Orchestra and other various performances by nationally known artists. The Mims and Gravely Galleries, located within The Dunn Center, hosts a variety of exhibits, including paintings, drawings, and sculptures. The galleries are open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., as well as during performances. To learn more, visit dunncenter.com and follow on Facebook.
About Wilson Active Artists Association
Wilson Active Artist Association is an organization that seeks to create, promote, and support an interest in the visual arts through communication and the exchange of artistic ideas; to serve as a meeting place for artists; to furnish workshops in various art fields and mediums; to encourage participation in exhibits in Wilson and other areas. The Association holds monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of every month at 4:30 p.m. To learn more, visit wilsonactiveartists.com.
Grant Makes Renovations Possible for The Mims Gallery
ROCKY MOUNT, NORTH CAROLINA – After nearly thirty years, The Mims Gallery, located in The Dunn Center at North Carolina Wesleyan University will receive a much-needed facelift. The Mims Foundation recently awarded a grant to the University for a complete renovation of the art gallery named for Allan C. and Margaret L. Mims. A local Nash County businessman, Mr. Mims was one of the founding members of NC Wesleyan nearly 66 years ago.
“I’m grateful to Tom Betts, one of our board members, and the representatives of the Mims Foundation Board of Directors for making this renovation possible,” stated Dr. Evan D. Duff, NCWU President.
Sheila Martin, Executive Director of The Dunn Center and Greg Purcell, Art Curator, note that this renovation will include the work of local artists, Marilyn Anselmi and Jan Sullivan-Volz. The new shelving will feature wood from the Rocky Mount Mills, circa 1850, as well as a copper mobile hanging from the skylight that depicts the indigenous leaves of North Carolina, a sight sure to marvel visitors.
The Mims Foundation gift is a game changer for the gallery. Work will begin soon, ensuring that the space will be ready for art exhibits previously booked for late 2022 and early 2023. These updates are also timely in that they will transform the area prior to The Mims Gallery welcoming thousands of visitors anticipated for the Fantastic Little Paintings exhibit featuring the work of the late Bob Ross. The Ross collection of 88 paintings will fill The Mims and Gravely Galleries from November 2, 2023 until January 4, 2024.
About The Dunn Center
The Dunn Center is a premier venue for concerts, shows and conferences in eastern NC. Located on the campus of NC Wesleyan University, in the heart of Rocky Mount, The Dunn Center is proud to host the Wesleyan Season Series of cultural events and concerts. In addition to these world-class performances, The Dunn Center features a variety of campus and community events, including Wesleyan Players productions, concerts of the Tar River Swing Band and Orchestra and other various performances by nationally known artists. The Mims and Gravely Galleries, located within The Dunn Center, hosts a variety of exhibits, including paintings, drawings, and sculpture. The galleries are open weekdays from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., as well as during performances. To learn more, visit dunncenter.com and follow on Facebook.
