On the eastern coast of the United States stretches the long and lovely land named North Carolina, or as our whimsical friend Wally the Walrus likes to call it, "The Land of Oodles of Doodles!" Wally, wearing his twirly mustache and paint-splattered beret, is the unofficial ambassador of the artsy kids of North Carolina. Every corner of the state, from the high peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the sandy beaches of the Outer Banks, echoes with the sound of pencils scratching on paper, brushes swishing against canvas, and the soft click-clack of clay being molded into fantastical shapes. Wally often jokes that you can't throw a paintbrush in North Carolina without hitting a creative kiddo hard at work! Kids here are as varied as the state’s landscapes. There's Maggie from Maggie Valley, who paints stunning sunsets while munching on her favorite hickory-smoked barbeque. Then there's Hank from Hatteras Island, who loves to sculpt sand during low tide, and Patty from Piedmont, with her incredible knack for sketching the critters she spies in her backyard. Wally loves to visit each of them, sharing ridiculous jokes that make them laugh until their sides ache. "Why don't artists ever play hide and seek?" Wally would ask, with a twinkle in his eye. After the inevitable shrugs and shakes of the head, he'd guffaw and slap his walrus belly. "Because good luck hiding when your hands are covered in paint!" So, whether you wander through the whimsical waterfalls of the western part of the state or decide to dip your toes in the salty sea on the eastern shores, you'll find the kids of North Carolina happily immersed in the world of visual arts, inspired by their marvelous surroundings and their jolly friend, Wally the Walrus.
Read morebest visual-arts programs in Wilmington, NC
Parents looking for an educational and engaging experience for the whole family should look no further than Cape Fear Museum. Our programs offer a unique way for families, adults, teachers and students to explore a variety of topics through immersive experiences on-site. From hands-on investigations to interactive exhibits, there is something for everyone to enjoy. At Cape Fear Museum, we understand the importance of providing educational and entertaining experiences for all ages. Our field trip programs are designed to help teachers and students explore history and science topics in an interactive and informative way that aligns with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. Take advantage of our hands-on investigations and immersive experiences to gain a better understanding of the world around us!
At Island Montessori Charter School, this approach is taken to heart. Here, children of diverse backgrounds are given the opportunity to learn and grow at their own pace in a developmentally appropriate and challenging Montessori environment. The school also models grace and courtesy, creating a peaceful community of lifelong learners. Parents looking to provide their children with the best educational experience will find it at Island Montessori Charter School. This unique institution helps children reach their full potential – physically, intellectually, and emotionally – by offering an environment that stimulates their interests and learning capacities. With grace and courtesy models in place, the school fosters a peaceful community of lifelong learners.
Wilmington’s Department of Parks and Recreation is committed to helping city residents live their best lives. By offering high-quality programming and maintaining its parks and facilities, the department provides a range of opportunities for recreational, social, cultural, employment, and educational activities. The Department of Parks and Recreation is dedicated to promoting holistic well-being for its residents. From offering parks and recreational facilities to providing educational and employment opportunities, the department is working to ensure all city residents have access to the resources they need to thrive. The City of Wilmington Department of Parks and Recreation is an invaluable asset in the community, providing a wide variety of services that support the health and wellbeing of its residents. From maintaining parks and facilities to offering recreational, social, cultural, employment, and educational activities, the department is committed to helping city residents live their best lives.
Cameron Art Museum is committed to helping students develop their creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills, and to celebrating our shared humanity. We believe that integrating the arts into the core curriculum is a powerful tool to bridge the achievement gap. We are proud to offer virtual resources that help bring the arts to life in the classroom or at home. Through our virtual tour offerings, class offerings, and free educational resources, we strive to make art accessible to everyone.
Hot Mess Studios offers so much for families looking for a day filled with adventure and creativity. Located just a block away from the beach, you can spend the day enjoying the sun, sand, and surf before getting creative with pottery and art classes at the studio. Our little beach town has come a long way! Now, it’s a destination for families looking to explore and experience all that it has to offer. Not only are there fantastic food, shopping, and activities, but the nearby Hot Mess Studios provides a unique opportunity to create something special. Whether you’re looking for a fun day at the beach or a creative outlet, Hot Mess Studios has it all. With just a short walk to the shore and plenty of activities in the studio, you’re sure to find something to keep everyone entertained. Plus, you’ll be able to take home a special keepsake of your day at the beach.
At AR Workshop Wilmington, parents can find the perfect place to create custom home decor with their hands. From shop to workshop, the facility provides a range of services to help craft charming, unique decor pieces. Founded by Maureen Anders and Adria Ruff, the business grew from a comprehensive design company to a DIY studio with more than 125 franchises across the country. In the beginning, Maureen and Adria offered services such as graphic design, party styling, DIY blog, and an online shop. It wasn't long before fans asked for in-person workshops, and the pair answered the call with AR Workshop in 2016. Now, parents can bring their children to the store and create special homemade pieces that can be used as gifts or decor pieces at home. With the help of strategic franchise partnerships, AR Workshop continues to grow and expand.