Cultural Programs

Families are invited to come together for a creative and fun-filled evening of art-making. Each month features a new theme and activities, providing a welcoming space to explore different art forms, spark imagination, and create lasting memories as a family. This program will operate from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. All programs below are available to those ages 4+. Register here! 

Davis Center at Maides Park - 1101 Manly Ave (910-341-0056/910-341-7867)

MLK Community Center - 401 S. 8th Street (910-341-7866/910-341-0053)

Walking tours around town focusing on different historical or cultural subjects are offered periodically. Learn about our beautiful city and enjoy the outdoors with us! Registration is required.

Topic: Black Urban History Walking Tour - March 24, 2026 

More Info: Ages 5+ | Free | Registration required | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Meet at the MLK Center (401 S. 8th St.)

Topic: Bellamy Mansion Tour - April 17, 2026

Visit the Bellamy Mansion Museum and join staff on a "Green Tour” of the site, highlighting the environmentally friendly methods used to construct and maintain the buildings and grounds, applications to green building in the future, and how you can make green changes in your own home. Please note that the tour requires climbing several flights of stairs and is not handicapped/wheelchair accessible. Parking is available in the gravel lot off Market St.

More Info: Ages 5+ | Free | Registration required | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Meet at 503 Market St.

Cultural Programs staff regularly partner with local artists to create public murals. Community painting dates bring community members together to help create beautiful public works of art!

Painting dates will be displayed below when available.

This open studio class invites adults to explore their creativity, connect with others, and enjoy the benefits of making art in a welcoming, supportive community. Guidance is provided by artist Cammeron Batanides, and all materials are included. 

Tuesday afternoons from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. | January 6 - June 2, 2026 at 1101 Manly Ave. (Davis Center at Maides Park)

About the instructor: Cammeron Batanides is an internationally known fine artist and children’s book author/illustrator whose works have been featured across the United States, in Jamaica and throughout Canada, at the 2013 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and at the legendary Los Angeles Fine Arts Building. She was the first live painter for The Wailers, on the USS North Carolina Battleship, and at Wilmington’s historic Thalian Hall’s inaugural reggae show. Cammeron has recently returned from Washington, D.C, where over 40 of her original works were exhibited adjacent to the Smithsonian at Pepco Edison Place Gallery. Cammeron’s originals were simultaneously displayed in Leland, North Carolina at Leland Cultural Arts Center. 

Description coming soon!

Dates: Feb. 5 | Feb. 12 | Feb. 19 | Feb. 26

More Info: Ages 18+ | Free | Registration required | 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Meet at 4099 S. 17th St. (Halyburton Park)

Description coming soon!

Dates: Feb. 26 | Mar. 5 | Mar. 12 | Mar. 19 Mar. 26

More Info: Ages 18+ | Free | Registration required | 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Meet at 1101 Manly Ave. (Davis Center at Maides Park)

Description coming soon!

Dates: Mar. 5 | Mar. 12 | Mar. 19 | Mar. 26

More Info: Ages 18+ | Free | Registration required | 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. | Meet at 4099 S. 17th St. (Halyburton Park)

Description coming soon!

Dates: Apr. 15 | Apr. 22 | Apr. 29 | May 6

More Info: Ages 18+ | Free | Registration required | 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Meet at 1101 Manly Ave. (Davis Center at Maides Park)

Join us for this FREE open studio art class. We provide the supplies, you bring the inspiration! Every other Thursday.

Dates: Feb. 5 | Feb. 19 | Mar. 5 | Mar. 19 | Apr. 2 | Apr. 16

More Info.: Free | Registration required | 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.