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spacer.gif (818 bytes)For the first three decades of the twentieth century, New Bern was known as the "Athens of North Carolina" because of its many artistic and educational endeavors. While the Great Depression put a halt to much of the activity, a rebirth occurred in the 1970s, and today locals enjoy performances and exhibits from an ever-increasing number of local and touring artists.

The Craven Arts Council and Gallery, located in the Bank of the Arts on Middle Street, supports and features all art disciplines and sponsors the popular New Bern Sunday Jazz Showcase and many other visual and performing arts events throughout the year. In addition, the New Bern-Craven County Public Library at the corner of Johnson and Middle Streets selects an artist of the month and displays his or her work in its attractive building.

The evidence that the arts are treasured in New Bern is most apparent on a walk through the city's historic downtown. Galleries are proliferating in renovated buildings, and murals on the walls of public buildings reflect the work of varied artists interpreting New Bern's history.

New Bern is also home to active community theater groups, the New Bern Civic Theatre and the RiverTowne Repertory Players, which stage and sponsor a number of productions annually. The Carolinian Shakespeare Festival puts on impressive performances for three weekends in August. The Coastal Carolina Chamber Music Festival features world-class musicians for a two-week appearance in the fall, and numerous musical groups and dancers, including historical dancers, stage other performances throughout the year. Vocal musicians will not be left out. Several communities and Craven Community College have musical groups featuring excellent singers who perform concerts during the year. There is also a community band consisting of music instructors, students and the best and brightest citizens of New Bern and surrounding communities who play because they love the music.

In this chapter we describe our arts organizations. If a group doesn't have a street address or regular office, a phone number is given, sometimes in addition to a contact name.MH 10-31-08

 

 

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Visual Arts

Craven Arts Council and Gallery / Bank of the Arts
317 Middle St., New Bern
(252) 638-2577

Besides nurturing local artists, this organization provides exhibition space for local, regional and national artists in the Bank of the Arts, a reclaimed 1911 bank building that also houses the arts council's administrative offices. The large, open main gallery, open Tuesday through Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM, is the staging area for a variety of exhibits. Popular traveling exhibits are often featured, and overall works include a variety of media, ranging from traditional to contemporary. The Pottery Vault and Gift Shop, the council's gallery shop, features the work of Carolina artists and is open year-round. Craven Arts Council is a membership organization with various sponsorship levels available. Members are entitled to ticket discounts and receive a monthly newsletter, The Luminary, that announces upcoming arts events. The Bank of the Arts facility is available for rental for your party or meeting. Call the Craven Arts Council and Gallery for more information.MH 10-31-08

The Accidental Artist
220 Craven St., New Bern
(252)
634-3411

At this studio, you can showcase your creativity by painting your own pottery, which The Accidental Artist will then fire for you to complete your one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Come relax in the informal atmosphere and give your artistic impulses free reign. You can even book studio space for birthday parties, club meetings and other special occasions. The Accidental Artist is open daily but may be closed on Sundays in the winter; call for hours.MH 10-31-08

Art & Materials
219 Middle St., New Bern
(252) 514-2787

Art & Materials sells paints, brushes, how-to books and other supplies for those who work in oils, acrylics, pastels and watercolors as well as paper and pottery. The business, owned by the Mathiot family, features the works of local artists. They schedule a variety of workshops and classes for adults and children who want to explore their artistic talents. There is a complete pottery studio offering pottery classes. The shop also sponsors summer camps, after-school art lessons and special classes for home-school students. The Flying Cat Bead Shop is located inside Art & Materials for those interested in creating their own distinctive jewelry. Gallery Arts, a giclee printing gallery, is found here, as is Asian Artifacts for the Art of Living, featuring art items, paintings and cards with an Oriental flair.MH 10-31-08

Coastal Photo Club
New Bern
(252) 633-5633

The Coastal Photo Club meets the third Saturday at 9:30 AM every month at Centenary United Methodist Church. The club is open to people of all ages and skill levels who are interested in photography. In-club photo competitions, field trips, photography-related lectures and other activities provide club members with opportunities to share knowledge and learn new skills. Club dues are $20 a year for single members and $30 for family.MH 10-31-08

Crystal Coast Chapter, American Needlepoint Guild
Shirley Kulow
(252) 636-0065

The Crystal Coast Chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild is an educational, nonprofit organization dedicated to the art of needlepoint. Experienced and beginning stitchers are invited to attend the group's meetings, held at 10 AM the first Monday of each month at the West New Bern Recreation Center on Pinetree Drive. Programs consist of stitching projects, instruction and demonstrations as well as fellowship.MH 10-31-08

Red Willow's Gift Shoppe and Art Gallery
130 W. Jones St., Trenton
(252) 448-1138

Red Willow's Gallery — "The Arts" Downtown Gallery — adjoins the gift shop with watercolors, oils and photography by local artists. An artist works in house on certain days of the week; call to inquire about the schedule. The gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 7 PM.MH 09-09-08

 

   

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Theater

Carolinian Shakespeare Festival
New Bern Civic Theatre, 414 Pollock St., New Bern

(800) 346-2770

Carolinian Shakespeare Festival (CSF) performances are presented the first three weekends of August at the New Bern Civic Theatre in downtown New Bern. This professional theater company has staged some of the Bard's most well-known works, including Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Hamlet and Macbeth. The goal of CSF is to make the classics entertaining and accessible to everyone. Discounts are available for students and seniors. Tickets are sold by phone and at various locations around town, including the Bank of the Arts on Middle Street. Auditions usually take place in March each year for the upcoming season, with rehearsals scheduled for the month of July.MH 10-31-08

New Bern Civic Theatre
Theater and box office, 414 Pollock St., New Bern
(252) 633-0567
Theater business office, 412 Pollock St., New Bern
(252) 634-9057

A nonprofit organization, New Bern Civic Theatre (NBCT) was organized in 1968 to provide community theater for area adults and children. The group's theatrical productions range from serious drama to lively musicals, including original works. NBCT also offers a number of art education opportunities for children, including StageHands, a performing group of the civic theater that annually stages a special production by children for children. Its unique performances are presented simultaneously in sign and spoken language. The theater also hosts a popular two-week Children's Acting Workshop in the summer.MH 10-31-08

RiverTowne Repertory Players
New Bern
(252) 637-2662

This nonprofit community theater group, formed in 2001, is dedicated to encouraging, promoting and practicing the theatrical arts in the community. RiverTowne's performances take place at the Sudan Shrine Auditorium downtown. Membership in the Players is open to anyone 16 years and older with a desire to be involved in the organization's operation, including acting, singing, directing, lighting, producing and more. Annual dues are $15 per person. Tickets are available for productions at the Bank of the Arts Tuesday through Saturday and at the door at the time of performance.MH 10-31-08

 

   

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Dance

Baroque Arts Project
724 Pollock St., New Bern
(252) 636-0476

The Baroque Arts Project, under the direction of Paige Whitley-Baugess, combines music and dance in exciting and innovative performances to bring the rich tapestry of the Baroque period to life. The project specializes in the music and dance of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, offering many engaging educational programs in addition to its public performances and tours. Season tickets are available.MH 10-31-08

Craven Historical Dancers
724 Pollock Street, New Bern
(252) 636-0476

This unique dance troupe performs, in costume, eighteenth-century social dances, including reels, country dances, minuets, cotillions and jigs. They entertain at holiday performances, festivals and other events. The group meets periodically and each fall accepts new members. Director Paige Whitley-Bauguess also directs the New Bern Dancing Assembly, a costumed Baroque dance performing group for boys and girls in 4th through 12th grades. Baroque dance classes and workshops are offered at Down East Dance.MH 10-31-08

Dance Theatre Performing Arts Studios, Inc.
2107 S. Glenburnie Rd., New Bern
(252) 637-1818

Open since 1990, Dance Theatre Performing Arts Centre, under the direction of Veronica Sabiston, is a training ground for dance students of all ages and skills, from the absolute beginner to the very advanced. Dance Theatre’s comprehensive program offers a diversified curriculum, including classical ballet and pointe, lyrical, jazz, hip hop, tap and jumpstart. This dance school also features classes for adults and offers multiple classrooms for personalized attention. The award-winning Dance Theatre offers opportunities for students to participate in regional and national competitions and, on the local level, to take part in mall shows, festivals, parades, telethons and more. The studio conducts a local school performance tour and hosts many performances throughout the year, including its annual Spring Performance in May. Excerpts are aired on local television Channel 10 each summer. Dance Theatre prepares students for auditions each year for the North Carolina School of the Arts (NCSA), American Ballet Theatre (ABT) and Joffrey Ballet. It's also proud to have directed many of its students toward roles in national television, major motion pictures and music videos as well as dance-related presentations for Walt Disney World, Kings Dominion and Busch Gardens.MH 10-31-08

Down East Dance
2500 Trent Rd., Suite 4, New Bern
(252) 633-9622

Down East Dance prides itself in educating students of all ages in the art of dance. Classes in ballet, pointe, jazz, hip hop, tap and Baroque are designed to create positive, joyful learning experiences that encompass coordination-building skills, flexibility, strength, technique, correct alignment and creativity. Every other year, the Down East Dance ballet faculty and students stage an impressive performance of The Nutcracker with guest artists. Down East Dance also showcases two youth performance groups.MH 10-31-08

Rivertowne Ballroom
305 Pollock St., New Bern
(252) 637-2003

Want to learn how to swing, cha cha or tango? Maybe the fox trot and the waltz are more your speed. If you've ever had an interest in learning ballroom dancing, this is the place to go. Private and group lessons are offered, and dance students get an opportunity to practice their skills at weekly parties.MH 10-31-08

Wanda Kay's School of Dance
801 Cardinal Rd., New Bern

(252)
636-2811

Wanda Kay offers tap, jazz and ballet for ages 3 through adult in her specially designed studio. The Wanda Kay Dancers, a group of advanced dance students, perform at fairs and festivals throughout the area, including MUMfest. Wanda Kay's Troupe opens the New Bern Christmas Parade every year.MH 10-31-08

 

   

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Music

Coastal Carolina Chamber Music Festival
Various locations, downtown New Bern
(252) 626-5419

The Coastal Carolina Chamber Music Festival, now in its seventh season, features two fall weekends of beautiful classical music performed by world-class musicians at a variety of locations throughout downtown New Bern. Each year's roster includes talented professionals who perform internationally as soloists and members of the country's finest ensembles, such as the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Boston Pops and the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. Festival events include not only musical performances but also interactive and entertaining social events that combine to create an up-close and personal concert experience. Season, individual and mix-and-match ticket options are available.MH 10-31-08

Fairfield Harbour Chorus
Pat Rivett
(252) 638-8470

This chorus began with 24 enthusiastic members in 1984. Today, membership totals approximately 65 vocalists. The group performs about 15 concerts each year, featuring all types of music, including show tunes, gospel, Broadway hits, holiday arrangements, pop and contemporary. It has given numerous performances in area churches, rest homes and retirement homes and has combined talents with other choruses at Cherry Point and Craven Community College. Members must be residents of Fairfield Harbour. Rehearsals are conducted on Monday evenings at 7 PM at the Fairfield Community Center. Rehearsals begin the first Monday after Labor Day and continue until mid-May.MH 10-31-08

Craven Community Chorus
Philip Evancho
(252) 638-7357

This large choral group, formed in 1985, performs locally as well as in surrounding counties and out of state. There are no auditions, and membership is open to anyone from 18 to 80 who can carry a tune and enjoys singing. The 60-member group likes to include instrumentalists whenever possible and usually plans its shows around a theme. Past performances have featured Dixieland standards, Old West favorites, Big Band hits and classic 1950s rock 'n' roll in the annual spring and Christmas productions. Weekly practices take place from 6:30 to 8:30 PM Tuesdays at Craven Community College's Orringer Auditorium.MH 10-31-08

Craven Concerts Inc.
Grover C. Fields Middle School, Dr. M. L. King Jr. Blvd.
(252) 637-1119

This organization, in its 26th consecutive season, schedules five concerts each year, staged at Grover C. Fields Performing Arts Center on Dr. M. L. King Jr. Boulevard. Season tickets cost $75 for non-reserved seating and $90 for reserved seating. Productions feature a variety of performances as well as the staging of an annual live opera performance. Season ticket holders are entitled to admission to reciprocal concerts in nearby communities. Membership applications and additional information are available by calling the number above or writing to P.O. Box 12213, New Bern, NC 28561-2213.MH 10-31-08

Fuller's Music
2310 Trent Rd., New Bern
(252) 638-2811

Fuller's Music carries a complete inventory of instruments, sheet music and other items for both beginning and experienced musicians. Talented instructors teach lessons on a variety of instruments, including guitar, piano, drums, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, violin and dulcimer.MH 10-31-08
 

 
 

North Carolina Symphony
(252) 637-1551

NorthCarolinaSymphony_ClassicalMusicConcerts_NewBernNC_041410
The North Carolina Symphony comes to New Bern with an outstanding series of concerts featuring classical and popular favorites. Several seating options and price ranges are available. Four performances take place at the New Bern Riverfront Convention Center, including a Holiday Pops concert in December, with a free concert scheduled during early summer at Tryon Palace Historic Sites & Gardens. Season tickets are available by calling the symphony office at (877) 627-6724. Individual tickets may be purchased at New Bern/Craven County Convention and Visitors Center, (252) 637-1551.MH 10-31-08
 

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Commercial Galleries

ART Gallery Ltd.
502 Pollock St., New Bern
(252) 636-2120

On the second floor of the Edward Stanly House, this gallery offers fine works in contemporary North Carolina arts, including paintings, art glass, sculpture, jewelry, porcelain and tapestry. It is open daily by appointment.MH 10-31-08

Carolina Creations
317-A Pollock St., New Bern
(252) 633-4369

An artist-owned studio and gallery open since 1990, Carolina Creations offers handcrafted American and North Carolinian fine art and contemporary craft by more than 250 professional artists. The gallery represents potters, glass blowers, woodworkers and jewelers, as well as original art and prints by owner Janet Franceour and pottery by her husband, Michael. You'll also find the painted furniture line Sticks as well as sculpture and prints by StoryPeople. Carolina Creations is open daily, and there is always something new to discover.MH 10-31-08

Framing Fox Art Gallery
217 Middle St., New Bern
(252) 635-6400, (800) 237-6077

The Framing Fox Art & Custom Picture Framing Gallery has been serving the public for more than 30 years with creative custom picture framing and a large selection of collectible fine art. Framing Fox specializes in collectible signed and numbered limited-edition prints, canvas and giclees by the leading artists in the United States, and they are authorized representatives for these artists. Custom framing, fine art, free location of hard-to-find prints and shipping anywhere are all part of Framing Fox's excellent service.MH 10-31-08

New Bern Artworks
323-B Middle St., New Bern
(252) 634-9002

Want a little adventure in your life? Enter New Bern ArtWorks, located in historic New Bern and accessible through the Bank of the Arts or the parking lot behind the Chelsea Restaurant on Middle Street. The studio is actually behind Port City Java. Here, 30 local artists create beauty using one uniting factor — a box. Each artist begins with this three-dimensional form and using various sizes, designs or creates his/her vision of what goes in the box. Owner Martha Williams says "thinking outside the box" has become a working motto. Some artists paint inside the box; others have done boxes within boxes. Some boxes may contain linings to provide a backdrop for other art forms — a marble sculpture or a painted canvas. All of the boxes are original art. The boxes can be hung on the wall or stacked on a desk or table. There are no rules, just ideas. Although the box is the signature of the shop, you will find other artworks such as jewelry, pottery and sculpture. The New Bern ArtWorks is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 AM until 6 PM and Saturday from 10 AM until 4 PM. It's closed on Sundays and Mondays.  MH 10-31-08

Weavers Webb Gallery
602 Pollock St., New Bern
(252) 514-2681

Featuring a wide selection of hand-woven items, such as baby blankets and table linens, this gallery offers an expanded selection of knitting and needlepoint supplies, as well as crochet and cross-stitch items. Classes are available in needlepoint, weaving, crochet and knitting. MH 10-31-08

 

 
 

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