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Abundant ChoicesAntiques AboundBeautiful JewelryFind Christmas Year-RoundFurniture & FurnishingsHats, Wedding HeadpiecesLumina Station ShoppingPlentiful Art GalleriesShop At The Cotton ExchangeShop At Topsail BeachShopping At The ForumShopping DowntownShops Near Wrightsville Beach
Plentiful Art Galleries
Art galleries exist all around Wilmington. Perhaps because of the beauty that surrounds us, a large number of artists have come to the area to paint landscapes, seascapes, portraits, abstracts, nudes or whatever strikes their fancy at the moment. Many have moved here and have been invited to display their works in Wilmington’s numerous galleries. There are so many galleries, in fact, that it would take days to see them all, so start with these.
Cotton Exchange Galleries
The Golden Gallery opened in the Cotton Exchange in 1977 and now is in its fifth location there. What makes the Golden Gallery unique is the artists; with one small exception, they are all Goldens. On display are the works of Mary Ellen Golden, a watercolorist; John W. Golden, son of the owners, a photographer with a large catalog of images of the Cape Fear region, and Melissa Manley, a metalsmith and honorary Golden. The senior John Golden, a folksinger and storyteller, has CDs available in the shop.
Dr. Seuss Makes A Stop
Fabulous Paintings, Sculptures At Fountainside
Fountainside Fine Art Gallery is located in Lumina Station on Eastwood Road just before you cross the causeway to Wrightsville Beach. Fountainside displays paintings in oil, acrylics and pastels, bronze sculptures and beautiful works in glass by very talented artists. You can spend an hour or an afternoon in this very pleasant, welcoming gallery. Fountainside also mats and frames art to bring out the best of the work.
One of our favorite artists, Sandy Nelson, is represented by Fountainside Fine Art Gallery.
Nelson lives in Wilmington now but travels extensively to paint. Her portraits and landscapes have been accepted for inclusion in national juried competitions from Maine to California, and she has won numerous national awards. Several of her stunning paintings feature local vistas: the area’s marshes, ponds and open fields are an inspiration. Artists Magazine named her one of the best 200 artists in 1993.
Spectrum Art & Jewelry At Forum
Spectrum Art & Jewelry, located in The Forum on Military Cutoff Road, offers dazzling jewelry, original art and memorable gifts in a very welcoming environment. More than 100 select American artists are represented by the friendly and knowledgeable staff. The gallery strives to make people feel at home and has a monthly open house and wine tasting.
One of the artist at Spectrum is Anne Cunningham who has worked exclusively with materials such as copper, brass, and aluminum since 1990. She has a B.F.A. from Ohio State and says that, “everyday is an experiment,” as she finds new ways to shape, weave, cut, paint and dye the metals. Her work is featured in public and private collections across the United States.