Culture/Arts

Fully Awake Art, a new art gallery in downtown Wilmington, offers a new option for sober or sober-curious artists of all levels. The opening reception for the gallery's latest show is this Friday.

A plate of corn pudding, lunch shared between construction workers, or a recipe passed down from a grandmother might seem like an ordinary part of Southern life. But behind those everyday experiences are stories of survival, family, culture and history.

WHQR arts reporter Demia Avery spoke with filmmaker Parrish Stikeleather about filmmaking, Wilmington's film community, and his new feature film, "Long Drive to Yadkin."

WHQR’s arts reporter Demia Avery sat down with Wilmington native and artist Sydney F. Austin to talk about how her childhood working on a blueberry farm, half-century career in dentistry, and ‘coastal realistic’ style all connect. They also talk about her experience finding artistic community at theArtWorks.

Visitors are not only allowed to touch Andy Warhol’s famous floating sculptures — they are encouraged to become part of the experience.

WHQR arts reporter Demia Avery caught up with Justin Michael Heter — better known as Justin Heter Pan — to talk about his multi-faceted musical career, playing solo and with Dubtown Cosmonauts, and keeping his inner child alive and well.

This week, Rhonda's guest is Elise Freeman Muhammad, who joins her to talk about An Evening at Seabreeze, presented in partnership with the Black Arts Alliance and Cucalorus Film Festival on Sunday, Sept. 13. The ticketed event includes a screening of "The Inkwell". Proceeds support the production of the documentary "Seabreeze: A Legacy" by Nuri Muhammad, Elise’s daughter.

Enjoy the sounds of late Beethoven quartets that encourage inclusion, diversity, and musical connection. Illuminos String Quartet will perform live at the St. James Episcopal Church on Friday, September 18.

This week, Rhonda's guest is Wesley Brown, founder and artistic director of Pineapple-Shaped Lamps, celebrating its 16th anniversary with a special homecoming production at Thalian Hall's Ruth and Bucky Stein Theatre, September 4–6, 2026. For tickets, visit thalianhall.org.

Paula Poundstone is a veteran comedian renowned for her observational humor and razor-sharp wit. As a frequent panelist on NPR’s Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!, she’s no stranger to public media. WHQR’s Aaleah McConnell spoke with Poundstone about her longevity in comedy, and the comfort she’s found in hosting her own podcast, Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone.