Community Calendar

Open during theArtWorks regular hours: Wednesday-Saturday 11am - 5pm | Sunday 12pm - 5pm

words & images by Helen Mirkil & Brian H. Peterson

How do you describe a life shared by two artists, a photographer/author and a painter/poet?
Start with their mutual love of nature, and an intense connection with the Spirit.

Mirkil is a storyteller whose work draws from many sources: autobiography; the rhythms and
mysteries of an internal music; and the history of art. Peterson’s work is rooted in a deeply felt
symbolism of light, as well as from classical and sacred music.

Peterson’s battle with Parkinson’s Disease began in 2006. He continued as Chief Curator at the
Michener Art Museum for five more years before retiring. The disease has slowed Peterson’s
output but he continues to create. His first retrospective, at theArtWorks, took place in 2019 and
included one hundred seventy-five images from fifteen bodies of work, as well as samples of his
creative videos. At that time he was still printing pictures. His most recent works are
improvisational drawings.
Mirkil and Peterson are honoring the gift of creativity in the face of considerable challenges. And
they are buoyed by their shared love of the Divine.

“To move, or be moved, is to live…The finest art, like all else
finest in Life, is founded on Love. The presence or absence and
the amount and quality of the love embodied in any work of art
is the sure guide to its value and permanence.
––– William L. Lathrop, 1897

This September we will be joined by painters, Bruce Bowman and Sally Sutton, previously represented by New Elements Gallery. “From There to Here” will feature the vivid and colorful paintings of two artists.

Bruce’s painting style uses broad palette knives which allow his work to be quick and expressive and allows for the ability to create sharp edges and tight lines. His wet-on-wet application of paint creates an impasto technique providing dimension and texture. Bruce’s approach to painting is refreshingly opposite of his work as an architect, which requires accuracy and realism.

Sally enjoys the challenge of capturing light while experimenting with rich color combinations while contrasting them with deep shadows using brushstrokes that create movement and energy. Combining her love of nature with en plein aire painting, she strives to share her personal reflections of the locations with her viewers.

Join us in the gallery on Sunday, September 20th, 2-5pm for our Artist Reception. Enjoy special refreshments, meet our artists, and enjoy live music by violinist Shirley Lebo! This exhibit will run through November 1st, alongside a new selection of featured works by our 30+ Gallery Artists.

Open during theArtWorks regular hours: Wednesday-Saturday 11am - 5pm | Sunday 12pm - 5pm

words & images by Helen Mirkil & Brian H. Peterson

How do you describe a life shared by two artists, a photographer/author and a painter/poet?
Start with their mutual love of nature, and an intense connection with the Spirit.

Mirkil is a storyteller whose work draws from many sources: autobiography; the rhythms and
mysteries of an internal music; and the history of art. Peterson’s work is rooted in a deeply felt
symbolism of light, as well as from classical and sacred music.

Peterson’s battle with Parkinson’s Disease began in 2006. He continued as Chief Curator at the
Michener Art Museum for five more years before retiring. The disease has slowed Peterson’s
output but he continues to create. His first retrospective, at theArtWorks, took place in 2019 and
included one hundred seventy-five images from fifteen bodies of work, as well as samples of his
creative videos. At that time he was still printing pictures. His most recent works are
improvisational drawings.
Mirkil and Peterson are honoring the gift of creativity in the face of considerable challenges. And
they are buoyed by their shared love of the Divine.

“To move, or be moved, is to live…The finest art, like all else
finest in Life, is founded on Love. The presence or absence and
the amount and quality of the love embodied in any work of art
is the sure guide to its value and permanence.
––– William L. Lathrop, 1897

Thursday, October 29
6-8:30 PM
$150 per person, all-inclusive. Every purchase benefits CAM and its programs.

Join us on Thursday, October 29, at 6 PM for the Art of Food and Wine Dinner: With a Southern Accent, a unique evening that blends art, cuisine, and fine wine in an intimate setting.

Enjoy an exclusive tour of CAM’s newest exhibition, With A Southern Accent: Sporting Art and Fine Art of Eastern North Carolina, led by curator Robbie Smith. With A Southern Accent celebrates the South’s enduring relationship with wildlife and nature through sporting art. Discover the artistry and history behind rare Southern duck decoys alongside contemporary works by acclaimed Southern artists, revealing the rich traditions, landscapes, and stories that shape the region.

Following the tour, guests will enjoy a culinary experience created by CAM Café’s Chef Chip Pridgen, with a five-course prix fixe menu inspired by the exhibition and our region. Each dish will be thoughtfully paired with wine. The menu will be available soon.

Don’t miss out on this exquisite evening of art, fine cuisine, and wine!

To reserve your spot, call CAM Café at (910) 777-2363 during our business hours (see here) or contact Sherri Collie at 910-726-9493 or scollie@cameronartmuseum.org. If we can’t get to the phone, please leave a message with your name, number, and reason for calling, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

This September we will be joined by painters, Bruce Bowman and Sally Sutton, previously represented by New Elements Gallery. “From There to Here” will feature the vivid and colorful paintings of two artists.

Bruce’s painting style uses broad palette knives which allow his work to be quick and expressive and allows for the ability to create sharp edges and tight lines. His wet-on-wet application of paint creates an impasto technique providing dimension and texture. Bruce’s approach to painting is refreshingly opposite of his work as an architect, which requires accuracy and realism.

Sally enjoys the challenge of capturing light while experimenting with rich color combinations while contrasting them with deep shadows using brushstrokes that create movement and energy. Combining her love of nature with en plein aire painting, she strives to share her personal reflections of the locations with her viewers.

Join us in the gallery on Sunday, September 20th, 2-5pm for our Artist Reception. Enjoy special refreshments, meet our artists, and enjoy live music by violinist Shirley Lebo! This exhibit will run through November 1st, alongside a new selection of featured works by our 30+ Gallery Artists.

Celebrate three decades of local creativity at the 30th Annual Arts by the Shore Art Exhibition and Sale, presented by the Oak Island Art Guild.
The much-anticipated exhibition will take place at the Homer E. Wright Event Center, 4136 Southport-Supply Road SE in St. James, on:

• Friday, October 30, from 1–5 pm
• Saturday, October 31, from 11am – 3 pm

Visitors are invited to enjoy wine and cheese while exploring and shopping an inspiring collection of original 2-D and 3-D artwork created by talented local artists. From paintings and mixed media to sculpture and other distinctive works, Arts by the Shore offers a vibrant opportunity to experience the artistic spirit of the coastal community—and to own a one-of-a-kind work of art.

The 2026 exhibition will be judged by Elise Stein, a professional painter, muralist, and art educator. Artists will be recognized for outstanding work in their respective categories during an awards ceremony beginning at 3pm on Saturday, October 31.

A Call for Artists is posted on oakislandartguild.org and will remain open until October 23, 2026 | 5pm.

Open during theArtWorks regular hours: Wednesday-Saturday 11am - 5pm | Sunday 12pm - 5pm

words & images by Helen Mirkil & Brian H. Peterson

How do you describe a life shared by two artists, a photographer/author and a painter/poet?
Start with their mutual love of nature, and an intense connection with the Spirit.

Mirkil is a storyteller whose work draws from many sources: autobiography; the rhythms and
mysteries of an internal music; and the history of art. Peterson’s work is rooted in a deeply felt
symbolism of light, as well as from classical and sacred music.

Peterson’s battle with Parkinson’s Disease began in 2006. He continued as Chief Curator at the
Michener Art Museum for five more years before retiring. The disease has slowed Peterson’s
output but he continues to create. His first retrospective, at theArtWorks, took place in 2019 and
included one hundred seventy-five images from fifteen bodies of work, as well as samples of his
creative videos. At that time he was still printing pictures. His most recent works are
improvisational drawings.
Mirkil and Peterson are honoring the gift of creativity in the face of considerable challenges. And
they are buoyed by their shared love of the Divine.

“To move, or be moved, is to live…The finest art, like all else
finest in Life, is founded on Love. The presence or absence and
the amount and quality of the love embodied in any work of art
is the sure guide to its value and permanence.
––– William L. Lathrop, 1897

As twilight settles over Market Street, step into the Bellamy Mansion Museum for an exclusive after-hours tour led by renowned native historian and author Dr. Chris E. Fonvielle Jr. Inspired by his celebrated Curious Tales series, Dr. Fonvielle will guide you through the site, sharing the compelling truths and strange local myths behind the most intriguing legends of the Bellamy site and Lower Cape Fear region. Space is limited for this special evening experience—reserve your spot today!

The tour is appropriate for all ages, but please note that the five-story mansion is only accessible by stairs. There are NO WALK-UPS allowed, and advanced registration is required. If you have questions, please email info@bellamymansion.org before registering.

This September we will be joined by painters, Bruce Bowman and Sally Sutton, previously represented by New Elements Gallery. “From There to Here” will feature the vivid and colorful paintings of two artists.

Bruce’s painting style uses broad palette knives which allow his work to be quick and expressive and allows for the ability to create sharp edges and tight lines. His wet-on-wet application of paint creates an impasto technique providing dimension and texture. Bruce’s approach to painting is refreshingly opposite of his work as an architect, which requires accuracy and realism.

Sally enjoys the challenge of capturing light while experimenting with rich color combinations while contrasting them with deep shadows using brushstrokes that create movement and energy. Combining her love of nature with en plein aire painting, she strives to share her personal reflections of the locations with her viewers.

Join us in the gallery on Sunday, September 20th, 2-5pm for our Artist Reception. Enjoy special refreshments, meet our artists, and enjoy live music by violinist Shirley Lebo! This exhibit will run through November 1st, alongside a new selection of featured works by our 30+ Gallery Artists.

RAIN DATE! The Friends of the New Hanover County Arboretum and the New Hanover County Cooperative Extension present the 30th annual Art in the Arboretum Show and Sale this year, inviting art lovers to immerse themselves in a weekend of creativity surrounded by the beauty of our 7-acre arboretum.
The festival runs through the weekend, on Saturday, October 31, and Sunday, November 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Explore the art displays, and enjoy food from local food trucks. General admission is $5, with tickets available at the gate. Admission is free for children 12 and under, military members with current ID, and current Friends of the Arboretum members.
Proceeds from this event support the Arboretum's projects and Cooperative Extension programs. A vital part of Extension’s horticulture program, the New Hanover County Arboretum advances horticultural knowledge and environmental stewardship through a diverse collection of trees, shrubs, and other plants. The arboretum serves as a living classroom for all residents, students, and green industry professionals, providing research-based education and practical training with an emphasis on plants adapted to the unique conditions of southeastern North Carolina.