Calling all art lovers, nature enthusiasts, and weekend wanderers! The New Hanover County Arboretum will be blooming with creativity on October 18th and 19th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Whether you are planning a family outing, a social occasion with friends, or perhaps enjoying a solo date, come explore the 29th annual Art in the Arboretum!
Join Friends of the Arboretum as we transform the gardens into a creative haven during the second weekend of October, where we celebrate our local artists. Enjoy a walk around the beautiful 7-acre gardens and immerse yourself in the joys of music, art, and nature. As you stroll, you will find ceramics alongside a beautiful backdrop of native plants, or perhaps watercolor paintings beneath the shade of the Japanese Maples.
This event will feature over 80 artists displaying their work from across the region. All featured artists offer distinct styles, and their work demonstrates their commitment to their craft, whether in 2D or 3D formats. The best part? Visitors can view and purchase these local works during the festival.
The current President of Friends of the Arboretum, Larry Sackett, shares his insight on this annual event: “Yes, helping raise money is one of our ultimate goals, but we also have a civic responsibility to be an outlet for local artists. This is an opportunity for the community to see the artists and their work. The art is the most important part of this event.”
New to this year's festival, the Youth Arts Center will feature several local programs, including New Hanover County 4-H, Kids Making It, and DREAMS of Wilmington. We encourage visitors to explore the innovative and imaginative creations of the next generation and enjoy family-friendly activities!
Hungry from all the walking and browsing? We got you covered! There will be a food truck on site each day so you can recharge with beverages and fresh food before continuing down the path of art and imagination! Live music will be featured throughout the weekend, enjoyed by artists and patrons alike as you make your way from booth to booth. Additionally, a fairy hair station will be available for guests wishing to enhance their appearance with a garden-inspired style!
As you stroll through the magical garden, breathing in the scent of the fall blooms, you can let your imagination run wild as you take in the festivities. Entry is $5 per person, with all proceeds dedicated to supporting the continued growth and development of the New Hanover County Arboretum and local extension programming. Admission is complimentary for children aged 12 and under, active military personnel with current ID, and Friends of the Arboretum members.
Join Friends of the Arboretum on October 18th and 19th as we support our local community of artists and enjoy a lovely weekend surrounded by nature, art, and whimsy.
Erica Nobel is the communications intern for the 29th Annual Art in the Arboretum. For more information about Art in the Arboretum, please contact Megan Sweeney, Communication Specialist at the N.C. Cooperative Extension, New Hanover County Center and Arboretum, located at 6206 Oleander Drive. She can be reached by email at megan_sweeney@ncsu.edu or by phone at 910-798-7600.
