Arts of the Albemarle (AOA) is a vibrant and inspiring art center nestled in the heart of Elizabeth City, North Carolina.

As a hub for creativity and artistic expression, AOA offers a diverse range of visual arts, performing arts, and cultural experiences to the local community and beyond.

AOA

Inner Banks Arts

Annual Northeast NC Regional Arts Competition

Artists working in all mediums are invited to enter their original artwork for the chance to win one of three cash prizes and be featured in the traveling exhibition, which will visit AOA, the Perquimans Arts League, Bertie County Arts Council, and Chowan Arts Council. The deadline to enter is April 3rd. Click the link below to find full submission information.

Enter Your Work

Upcoming Events at AOA

  • Failure is Not an Option: 100 Years of Art, Service, and Perseverance

    March 6–28, 2026
    Free admission during gallery hours

    Join us in honoring World War II veteran and lifelong artist John B. Neal as he turns 100. This special month-long exhibit showcases a century of creativity, resilience, and excellence—guided by his lifelong belief that failure is not an option. The exhibit will highlight his career as a commercial artist and technical illustrator and celebrate his lasting contributions to the arts. 

    Free Admission

  • K-12 Creations: Art by Local Students

    March 6–28, 2026
    Free admission during gallery hours

    The K-12 students of ECPPS and surrounding areas share the products of their visual arts curriculum in this thoughtful, vibrant collection of work representing the young minds of our region. Taking place annually in March, this year’s iteration features mediums across the board, ranging from drawings and paintings to ceramics and sculptures.

    Free Admission

  • Open Studio

    Wednesdays from 1-4 PM
    AOA Madrin Studio (115 N Poindexter St)

    Bring your supplies and create in a group environment. Work on your current project, make new friends, spark up a collaborative project, or find new inspiration creating art in a fresh setting. Artists of all ages, levels, and mediums are welcome!

    Free Admission

  • Monthly Writers Meetup

    Saturday, March 28, 12:30–2:30 PM
    Free with registration

    Whether you are a grizzled veteran of professional writing, a passionate amateur writer, or anything in between - writing can be a lonely endeavor. Bring your own supplies and work in a group environment! This group will be led by the published author and screenplay writer Rebecca Mlinek.

    Register For your free seat

  • Sunday Studio

    Every third Sunday of the month from 3-6 PM
    AOA Madrin Studio (115 N Poindexter St)

    Bring your supplies and create in a group environment. Work on your current project, make new friends, spark up a collaborative project, or find new inspiration creating art in a fresh setting. Artists of all ages, levels, and mediums are welcome at this free event!

    Hosted by Jules Jackson and Chelsea Overton, this extension of Open Studio will happen on the third Sunday of each month.

    Free Admission

“It was amazing! I did not know that we had a gem like this in our town! The times I have been here, I have enjoyed every minute of it.”

— Claudia F.