Stanly Arts Guild and Gifts

Dwight J. Dennis Memorial Photography Exhibition and Competition
2026-02-24 - 2026-03-21 | Stanly Arts Guild/Gifts, 152 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
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 will 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.

In 2021, we lost one of our amazing photographer members, and the annual photography show now carries his name in memoriam. Dwight J. Dennis was always a huge supporter of our members, our community, and The Guild. He was a cheerleader for all our shows, but this one had a special place in his heart, since photography was his passion. The annual photography show is now entitled: Dwight J. Dennis Memorial Photography Exhibition and Competition.

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. In 2026, this show will be judged by William Dixon, Jr. It will be on display at The Stanly Arts Guild’s new location, 152 W. Main St in Albemarle, from February 24th thru March 21st.

Reopening Day on Main Street
2026-02-24 12:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Stanly Arts Guild/Gifts, 152 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
We’re moving to downtown Albemarle! We will open at 152 W. Main St on Tuesday, February 24th with our Annual Photography Show.

Piecekeeper Project Bag By ByAnnie
2026-02-26 08:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Washington State Fair Events Center, 110 Ninth Avenue SW, Puyallup, WA, 98371, United States
One of our Artists is teaching at SewExpo in Puyallup, Washington!
SAG Artist: Tiffany Harwood

Create this easy and useful project bag. Students will learn to quilt with Soft and Stable and easily sew in a zipper using YKK zipper by the yard. The Piecekeeper pattern is a perfect way to learn many of the basic techniques used to make ByAnnie patterns. Trust me, you’ll want more than one!
Class Fee: sold out

Kit Fee: $25
Kit Includes: Fabric, Soft & Stable, Mesh, YKK zipper and pull, interfacing, thread and color copy of the pattern.
Student Provides: Basic sewing supplies – scissors (fabric & paper), pins, seam ripper, chalk, seam gauge, ruler, measuring tape, sewing needles, etc, Optional: Stiletto (ByAnnie or other brand) is helpful.
Experience Level: Beginner- No prior knowledge or skills required

Freestyle Fabric Greeting Cards
2026-02-27 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles), 2026-02-28 08:00 - 09:30 (America/New_York) | Washington State Fair Events Center, 110 Ninth Avenue SW, Puyallup, WA, 98371, United States
One of our Artists is teaching at SewExpo in Pullyap, Washington!
SAG Artist: Tiffany Harwood

Students will learn to create one of a kind appliqué fabric cards using stiff canvas, fabric scraps and thread painting.

Class Fee: $32
Kit Fee: $10
Kit Includes: 5 Blank cards (with envelopes), canvas, glue stick, fabric and thread.Student Provides: Basic sewing supplies – scissors (fabric & paper), pins, seam ripper, chalk, seam gauge, ruler, measuring tape, sewing needles, etc, Pencil and Paper for note takingExperience Level: Intermediate- Learner has seen others practice this skill or practiced this skill with guidance.

Re-Opening Downtown Celebration!
2026-03-07 10:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Stanly Arts Guild/Gifts, 152 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
We are excited to return to a downtown location!!! Come share the joy of this generous space!
On display will be the Dwight Dennis Memorial Photography Exhibition. Which is your favorite?
Take a stroll and check out our neighbors!
Follow us on Facebook for activities!

Celebration of the ARTS
2026-03-21 | Stanly County Agri-Civic Center, 26032-B Newt Road, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
A FREE event by Stanly Arts Council, open to the public to learn more about the arts in Stanly County.
Always a wonderful event. Follow Stanly Arts Council calendar for their schedule of events.
We have been honored to have had a presence in this Annual Celebration!

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 they 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

Vicki Galloway Face Painting
2026-03-21 09:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Stanly County Agri-Civic Center, 26032-B Newt Road, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
Vicki will be Face Painting at Celebration of the ARTS!
She has always done an outstanding job, and has been working on some new spring designs for you… Come have some fun with Art!

ART TAKE IN: Youth Art Show
2026-03-21 10:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Stanly Arts Guild/Gifts, 152 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
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.
ART TAKE IN: Youth Entries for this show should be submitted March 21, 2026 during Guild Store Hours: 10am-4pm

Youth Art Show
2026-03-24 - 2026-04-11 | Stanly Arts Guild/Gifts, 152 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States

Art For Mom!
2026-03-25 10:30 - 15:00, 2026-05-02 10:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Stanly Arts Guild/Gifts, 152 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
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)

Uwharrie Silver Arts Events
2026-03-31 - 2026-04-30 | Albemarle Parks and Recreation, 621 Wall Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
Albemarle Parks and Recreation Presents: Uwharrie Senior Games & Silver Arts
Senior Games: March 31-April 30
The Uwharrie Senior Games & Silver Arts provides a little bit of something for everyone! It includes friendly and fun competition in various games/sports along with the opportunity to display abilities and skills in various forms of art for seniors ages 50 and over in Stanly and Montgomery Counties. Registration runs February 2-March 27. Here are some details:
Early Bird (registering by February 28th): $20
Regular Price (registering March 1-27): $25
Registration Includes:
· Participation in opening ceremonies
· Participation all games that you choose (some have additional fees)
· Participation in all Silver Arts that you choose
· Closing Ceremonies and dinner (additional tickets are $10)
· USG T-shirt
Silver Arts Only: Those who wish to only do Silver Arts (& no games) can register for free (must pay $10 for T-shirt if you want one).
First-time games participants can register for free (must pay $10 for T-shirt if you want one).
Senior Games Activities (* = extra cost)

Basketball Shooting, Football Throw, Softball Throw, Fun Walk, Disc Golf, Croquet, Cornhole (singles, doubles, mixed doubles), Pickleball, Horseshoes, *Miniature Golf, Shuffleboard, Billiards, Bocce, Table Tennis, *Golf, *Cycling
Swimming Events (50, 100, & 200 yard), Butterfly, Individual Medley, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Freestyle
*Bowling (singles, doubles, mixed doubles)
Track & Field Events, Discus, Shotput, Running Long Jump, Standing Long Jump, 1500m Power Walk, 5K Power Walk, Races (100, 200, 400, 800, 1500m)

Silver Arts Events
Cheerleading, Basket Weaving, Crocheting, General Fiber Arts, Jewelry, Knitting, Pottery, Needlework, Quilting, Weaving, Stained Glass, Painting, Woodcarving, Woodworking, Essay, Poem, Short Story, Comedy, Drama, Dance, Instrumental, Line Dancing, Vocal, Acrylics, Digital Art, Drawing, Oil, Pastels, Photography, Film, Sculpture, & Water Colors.
Ready to register and don’t want to do it online? Visit Mark at EE Waddell Community Center, or reach out at 704-984-9562 or email mtracy@albemarlenc.gov
For More Information: email mtracy@albemarlenc.gov or phone 704-984-9562

Vicki Galloway Face Painting
2026-04-04 13:30 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Sophia’s Wedding & Event Venue, 722 South Oak Ridge Rd., Oakboro, NC, 28129, United States
Vicki will be part of a joyful Easter celebration filled with family fun, community, and supporting local businesses!

April 4th
1:00 PM
Sophia’s Wedding & Event Venue
722 South Oak Ridge Rd., Oakboro, NC 28129
FREE entry & FREE parking
Easter egg hunt for the kids
Bounce House
Face Painting
Photos with the Easter Bunny captured with your phone
Food trucks
Live music
Shop and support local vendors

EVENT DETAILS:

Photos with the Easter Bunny 1:30 to 2:30 PM
LIVE Music Comfortable Shirt 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Egg hunt for toddlers 2:30 PM
Face Painting 1:30 to 2:30 PM
Egg hunt for older kids at 3:00 PM

Donna Dewberry One Stroke Mini Workshop
2026-04-09 - 2026-04-11 | Holiday Inn Express, 500 Leonard Avenue, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
Visual Arts in Stanly County:
Your Host: Master Dew U Sharon Matteson
To sign up or for more information:
Email amandadewberry@hotmail.com
https://onestroke.com

Join Donna Dewberry for an inspiring One Stroke Mini Workshop coming to North Carolina April 9, 10 and 11, 2026. This will be our 10th year consecutively having Donna come to North Carolina. We feel so privileged and honored to keep this tradition going. Our theme this year is going to be butterflies and dragonflies.

Join in on all the fun as we get together for a meet and greet on Wednesday the 8th at 6 pm.

This creative 3-day workshop is perfect for painters of all levels who love learning new techniques and creating beautiful finished projects.

If traveling by plane the airport you would be flying into is Charlotte, which is about an hour and 15 minutes away from Albemarle. There are multiple hotels available to stay while attending the workshop beginning with the Holiday Inn express where we are holding the event. The hotel fills up quickly so make your reservations as soon as you can.

There are many Restaurants to choose from located close to the hotel.

Workshop Details:

Location: Holiday Inn Express
500 Leonard Ave.
Albemarle NC 28001

Cost:
• $349.00 for all 3 days
• $145.00 per individual day

Projects by Day (9am-4pm):

Day 1: Barn in a Field Painting
Day 2: Two 6×6 Mini Canvases – Floral & Bird
Day 3: Hen with Baby Chicks in a Bucket Painting

Each day features step-by-step instruction using the One Stroke painting technique with Donna Dewberry.

What’s included in event: Exclusive Meet & Greet prior to event, Instruction by Donna Dewberry, 3 surfaces, patterns for each project and paint.

https://onestroke.com

Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot early!

High School Art Shows
2026-04-14 - 2026-05-16 | Stanly Arts Guild/Gifts, 152 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
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 (email: stanlyartsguild19@gmail.com).

High School Art Shows: Gray Stone Day School
2026-04-14 - 2026-04-29 | Stanly Arts Guild/Gifts, 152 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
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.
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.
Starting off for our enjoyment, is the wonderful talent of the students of Gray Stone Day School. We have not had the opportunity to showcase their talent in the past, and we are so honored to be able to do so! Please come and view their work.

High School Art Show: North Stanly High School
2026-04-14 - 2026-04-29 | Stanly Arts Guild/Gifts, 152 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
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.
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.
We are so honored to be able to showcase the work of the North Stanly High School students! Please come and view their work!

Children's Drawing Class
2026-04-18 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | Stanly Arts Guild/Gifts, 152 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
Children’s Drawing Class for ages 7 to 12.
Carol Hill will lead participants to create a desert landscape, emphasizing drawing of cacti and clouds while showing depth in a composition. The young artists will add color with oil pastel and watercolor.

Vicki Galloway Face Painting
2026-04-18 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | The Art Place, 132 S Depot Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
There’s just something about having a little bling painted on for the day…
Vicki has always done an outstanding job, and has been working on some new spring designs for you… Come have some fun with Art!

Vicki Galloway Face Painting
2026-04-26 16:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | The Wagon Whimsy Bookshop, 20232 Claude Drive, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
There’s just something about having a little bling painted on for the day…
Vicki has always done an outstanding job, and has been working on some new spring designs for you… Come have some fun with Art!

myshopify.com · linktr.ee

High School Art Shows: South Stanly High School
2026-05-01 - 2026-05-16 | Stanly Arts Guild/Gifts, 152 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
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.
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.
We have been so honored to be able to showcase the work of the South Stanly High School students, led by Kenly Strube. Please come and view their work!

High School Art Shows: West Stanly High School
2026-05-01 - 2026-05-16 | Stanly Arts Guild/Gifts, 152 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
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.
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.
We are so honored to be able to showcase the work of the West Stanly High School students, led by Jubal Strube. Please come and view their work!

Stanly Arts Guild Photographers on Display
2026-05-01 - 2026-05-31 | Stanly County Agri-Civic Center, 26032-B Newt Road, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
A sampling of the exquisite art of 5 photographers is now on display at the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center throughout the month of May. Come see the world through their eyes (lens).

Open Sew Day!
2026-05-04 10:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Sew On & Sew Fourth Sewciety, 28488 NC Hwy 73, Albemarle, 28001, United States
Come to the Dark Side (we have cookies)!
Join Sew On & Sew Fourth Sewciety (Jessica, Heather, Sue…) on this very special day for “nerds who sew”!
May 4th is known as Star Wars Day! and quilters strive for that perfect fourth (1/4 inch)…
Come sew with us on one of our favorite days! Remember to Press To The Dark Side!
Open Sew for those who want to work on some themed blocks.
Not sure about foundation paper piecing? We can help you with that.
Costumes are welcomed. Take a selfie with Vader!

Click on designer below for FREE designs… print, pack your sewing supplies, and let’s use the force to complete them together. (PS They have great paid designs as well: well made, fun designs, reasonably priced, as well as BOMs if you like).
Hey Star Wars fans! – Quiet Play Designs

Scholarship Application Deadline: college student
2026-05-09 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Stanly Arts Guild/Gifts, 152 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
The Patricia Blake Hartley Scholarship

The Patricia Blake Hartley Scholarship was established as a memorial to one of our long-time members & supporters of the Guild. It is awarded annually to a college student from Stanly County, (preferably a Junior or Senior), who is currently enrolled as a visual arts or arts education major. A check for $1,000, to be applied toward tuition costs, will be paid directly to the college in attendance by the scholarship winner.

Applications for this scholarship are available at the Guild store during regular business hours or through the link on our website: https://stanlyartsguild.com/scholarship-opportunies/
The 2026 scholarship submission deadline is May 9th, 2026.

Scholarship Application Deadline: High School Senior/College Freshman
2026-05-09 10:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Stanly Arts Guild/Gifts, 152 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
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: https://stanlyartsguild.com/scholarship-opportunies/

The Art of Kawandi
2026-05-16 10:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Stanly Arts Guild/Gifts, 152 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
Karen Lowder and Bonnie Preslar will lead a workshop on the ancient Art of Kawandi, a hand-quilting technique of the Siddi community of India. Bonnie is a talented quilter and fiber artist who has been studying this art form. Karen is a quilter and crafter who enjoyed a lifelong interest in fabric and color.
The workshop will entail a brief description about the history of Kawandi and the methods used to create these wonderful textile art pieces. Participants will assemble and stitch a small Kawandi of their own using the materials provided. The texture is just amazing!!! No two are alike!
SAG Members: $20.00
Non-SAG Members: $30.00
Kit Supply Fee: $5.00 Kit includes fabric pieces, backing, batting, needle, pins, and thread. Participants should bring their own scissors and a thimble (this is handwork).
The workshop will begin at 10:30 am. Participants may bring a bag lunch, or order in.
The workshop will conclude at 3 pm.

Adult Pottery Class (Part 1): Ceramic Garden Flower Bee Cup
2026-05-19 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Stanly Arts Guild/Gifts, 152 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
Adult Pottery Class: Ceramic Garden Flower Bee Cup
Carol Hill will lead a 2-part adult pottery class to may a Ceramic Garden Flower Bee Cup. Both Sessions will be needed to complete the project.
Tuesday evenings: May 19 & 26th from 6-8pm.
Cost for both sessions, which includes: clay, glaze, stake and 2 firings in a ceramic kiln.$15 (Guild Members)$25 (Non-members)Level: beginner–You can do this with no prior clay experience.Sign up in person or by phone. 704-983-4278. (Class size limited)

Adult Pottery Class (Part 2): Ceramic Garden Flower Bee Cup
2026-05-26 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Stanly Arts Guild/Gifts, 152 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
Carol Hill will lead a 2-part adult pottery class to may a Ceramic Garden Flower Bee Cup. Both Sessions will be needed to complete the project.
Tuesday evenings: May 19 & 26th from 6-8pm.
Cost for both sessions, which includes: clay, glaze, stake and 2 firings in a ceramic kiln.$15 (Guild Members)$25 (Non-members)Level: beginner–You can do this with no prior clay experience.Sign up in person or by phone. 704-983-4278. (Class size limited)
