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).

Art For Mom!
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)

Open Sew Day!
2026-05-04 10:30 - 19:00 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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)

Selected Works by our Scholarship Recipients on display now
2026-05-28 - 2026-06-06 | Stanly Arts Guild/Gifts, 152 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States

The Art of Konstructive Artisan
2026-06-01 - 2026-07-31 | Stanly County Agri-Civic Center, 26032-B Newt Road, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
On display now at the Stanly County Agri-Civic Center: Juan Hardy, otherwise known as Konstructive Artisan
https://stanlyartsguild.com/juan-hardy/

Children's Clay Class: Part 1 of 2
2026-06-04 16:00 - 18:00 | Stanly Arts Guild/Gifts, 152 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
This is a 2-part class.
June 4th: Carol Hill will lead children to create 2 pinch pots. One will remain a pinch pot, and then Carol will show the children how to turn the other into a dragon!June 11th: the children will glaze their pieces.June 13th: These pieces must be kiln-fired 2x: finished pieces may be picked up at Stanly Arts Guild on June 13th.

Ages 7 – 12, $10 for both sessionsAll materials included: stoneware clay, glaze, and 2 firings in a ceramic kiln.
Space is limited: register in person or by phone at Stanly Arts Guild 704-983-4278

SAG Members: Ballot Nominations Deadline
2026-06-06 10:00 - 16:00 | Stanly Arts Guild/Gifts, 152 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
The deadline to be place on the ballot for SAG Executive Officers is June 6th, 2026.
Election ballots will be available at The Guild Store during normal business hours for SAG Members on the 2025-2026 SAG Members Roster.
Election results will be on June 20th, 2026.

Excess Art Supply Sale
2026-06-09 - 2026-07-03 | Stanly Arts Guild/Gifts, 152 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
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.
https://stanlyartsguild.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-Excess-Art-Supply-Sale-Vendor-Agreement.pdf

Seniors Art Show
2026-06-09 - 2026-07-03 | Stanly Arts Guild/Gifts, 152 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
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.

Children's Clay Class: Part 2 of 2
2026-06-11 16:00 - 18:00 | Stanly Arts Guild/Gifts, 152 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
This is a 2-part class.
June 4th: Carol Hill will lead children to create 2 pinch pots. One will remain a pinch pot, and then Carol will show the children how to turn the other into a dragon!June 11th: the children will glaze their pieces.June 13th: These pieces must be kiln-fired 2x: finished pieces may be picked up at Stanly Arts Guild on June 13th.
Ages 7 – 12, $10 for both sessions
All materials included: stoneware clay, glaze, and 2 firings in a ceramic kiln.
Space is limited: register in person or by phone at Stanly Arts Guild 704-983-4278

Adult Pottery Class (Part 1 of 2): Ceramic Garden Flower Bee Cup
2026-06-13 14:00 - 16:00 | Stanly Arts Guild/Gifts, 152 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
Adult Pottery Class: Ceramic Garden Flower Bee Cup (Part 1)
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.
Saturday Afternoons: June 13th & 20th from 2-4 pm.
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)

SAG MEMBERS: EXECUTIVE OFFICE ELECTIONS FOR 2026-2027 YEAR
2026-06-16 - 2026-06-20 | Stanly Arts Guild/Gifts, 152 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
SAG MEMBERS: EXECUTIVE OFFICE ELECTIONS FOR 2026-2027 YEAR
Ballots to vote for SAG Executive Officers for the 2026-2027 Year will be made available at The Guild Store during the Week of June 16th, 2026.
Executive Officers for the SAG Fiscal Year of 2026-2027 will be announced at the annual SAG Members’ Picnic on June 20th, 2026.

Adult Pottery Class (Part 2 of 2): Ceramic Garden Flower Bee Cup
2026-06-20 14:00 - 16:00 | Stanly Arts Guild/Gifts, 152 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
Adult Pottery Class: Ceramic Garden Flower Bee Cup (Part 2)
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.
Saturday Afternoons: June 13th & 20th from 2-4 pm.
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)

SAG Members Picnic
2026-06-20 17:00 - 19:00 | NC
SAG Members get together each year to celebrate the end of the fiscal year and beginning of a new season of art! This year, the Stanly Arts Guild Member’s Picnic will be on June 20th at 5pm. SAG Members are asked to bring a Side Dish and Beverage of Choice. SAG will provide Sloppy Joe’s.
SAG Members: check your email for details.

World Make Music Day
2026-06-21 | NC
In 2025, Stanly County Arts Council created a wonderful county-wide celebration. We look forward to their Schedule of Events this year! We want to hear the joyful sound of music in Stanly County!

Due to unforeseen circumstances, we had to cancel our Make Music For Dads. We look forward to making music together next year!

Beginner Watercolor Class
2026-06-27 10:00 - 16:00 | Stanly Arts Guild/Gifts, 152 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
Beginner Watercolor Class with O’Lynda Walker
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Students will tear their full sheet of Arche watercolor paper in half, and a quarter, and eighth sections.
Students will learn the consistency of watercolor applications: tea, coffee, milk.
The student will become familiar with several professional watercolor brands. They will also learn how to determine if a tube of paint is opaque or transparent, and how these properties influence painting.
The student will use a variety of professional brushes to mix primary colors, producing secondary hues. They will mix a variety of greens, black, and explore values with each color made.
Students will control watercolors to produce washes for sky, land, and water. They will learn what causes a bloom and how to repair blooms.
Students will develop soft edges: soft, hard, and lost edges, and the value of using negative painting in watercolor.
The student will draw or trace, paint, and apply the correct color & paint application of three fruits: apple, banana, and pear.
If time allows, the student will build a painting of a birch tree landscape using negative painting and glazing techniques. Also if time permits, a painting using tulips.

WHEN: June 27th, 2026
TIME: 10 am – 4 pm
WHERE: Stanly Arts Guild. 152 W. Main St, Albemarle
CLASS SIZE: min 3, max 6
CLASS FEE: $80.00 SAG Members, $90.00 non-members
SUPPLIES FEE: $25.00 In an attempt to not have students purchase items they may or may not use again, the Supplies Fee will allow the students to sample professional level materials without a large commitment. Supplied by instructor: the instructor will provide several brands of professional brushes to explore strokes and washes, one pallet, several brands of professional paint in the primary colors (yellow, two reds, blue, burnt sienna), carbon paper, tracing paper, and a color wheel.

STUDENTS WILL NEED TO BRING:
1. One Full Sheet of Arche 100% cotton, 140 lb, 300 g/m paper, 22 inches x 30 inches. This can be purchased at a local art store in Charlotte such as Jerry’s Art Arama or online at Blick Art (check for sales), double check for authenticity at Hobby Lobby. It should be about $16.00 per sheet.
2. One old terry cloth towel, such as a hand towel or dish cloth to absorb water under your support.
3. One placemat, clear or plain (not a printed surface), on which the Arche paper will mount for painting.
4. Masking tape, or blue painter’s tape, or like tape.
5. HB or #2 Pencil, and sharpener
6. Water Container
7. Paper towels or small roll of toilet tissue
8. White ceramic plate of any shape, about 6-8 inches. Please do not bring plastic.

Membership Drive
2026-07-01 - 2026-07-31 | Stanly Arts Guild/Gifts, 152 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
Our fiscal year runs from July to June of the following year. July is the month of Membership Renewal for Stanly Arts Guild.
We encourage our members to renew. We invite new members to join. We hope you enjoy what The Stanly Arts Guild has to offer.
https://stanlyartsguild.com/join/

Holiday: SAG Store Closed
2026-07-04 | Stanly Arts Guild/Gifts, 152 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond. Let us find ways to unify our nation and its people: let us find strength and find joy in the differences that make us unique. Let us find strength to listen, whether we agree or not: let us consider. Let us rejoice in our freedom: not perfect, but ours.
The Stanly Arts Guild Store will be closed on July 4th.

ART TAKE IN: Summer Art Explosion
2026-07-10 13:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-11 11:00 - 15:00 | Stanly Arts Guild/Gifts, 152 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
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.

Summer Art Explosion
2026-07-14 - 2026-08-08 | Stanly Arts Guild/Gifts, 152 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States

Sundays With Art: An Introduction To Quilling
2026-07-19 14:00 - 16:00 | Stanly Arts Guild/Gifts, 152 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
Sundays With Art: An Introduction To Quilling
We are so exciting to bring more programs to our community. We will be bringing more demonstrations and artist talks on the 3rd Sunday of each month.
Our kickoff Sunday will be in July with our very own talented artists, Ginger Barker and Betsy Lewis. They will have an interactive demonstration of Quilling.
There is no need to register! Come by and have fun exploring art!

The Art of The Quilt
2026-08-11 - 2026-08-27 | Stanly Arts Guild/Gifts, 152 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
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”!

ART TAKE IN: The 18th Annual Nature At Its Best
2026-08-28 12:00 - 16:00, 2026-08-29 10:00 - 16:00 | Stanly Arts Guild/Gifts, 152 W. Main Street, Albemarle, NC, 28001, United States
The 18th Annual Ellen Cook Gaskin Nature At Its Best Art Exhibition & Competition
The family of Ellen Cook Gaskin has graciously sponsored this competition and show in their mother’s honor. Mrs. Gaskin was a talented artist and had a deep love of nature and all of its wonder and beauty. Entries in this competition should have a nature theme using one of the following as guidelines: fish, fur, feather, field, forest, or flower. Both 2-D and 3-D art are welcomed as entries. Awarded prizes are 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and up to 4 honorable mentions. In addition, Stanly Arts Guild members vote on their favorite entry and a “Members’ Choice” is awarded with a ribbon and cash prize. All entries must be no more than 2 years old.
