YADKINVILLE, N.C. – The Yadkinville Arts Council continues to amaze with the artistic and educational opportunities it is offering from this town of 3,000 souls. It is the county seat of Yadkin County which has a population of about 38,000 and is one of the smaller counties in the state.
But when it comes to the arts, the folks at the Yadkin Cultural Arts Center think big. In May alone, numerous events and learning activities are offered. Located west of Winston-Salem, the Yadkin Arts Council’s influence goes well beyond the county’s borders, as they partner with the Blue Ridge National Heritage Center, which says of the Yadkin Cultural Arts Center: “Vibrant center in foothills beckons with exhibits, food (and) performances.”
According to the National Heritage website, “Located on Main Street in downtown Yadkinville, the Arts Center’s mission is to enrich the lives of every citizen of Yadkin County and beyond by providing opportunities for artists, no matter what their specific creative outlet. The Yadkin Arts Center houses two galleries, a performing arts academy, private space for rent, and is home to the Willingham theater, which can seat up to 193 guests.” It adds, “Exhibitions draw from a large pool of talented artists throughout North Carolina and the Southeast.”
The schedule for May and beyond, listed below, demonstrates that the Yadkin Cultural Arts Center is a premier destination in Western North Carolina, exceptional not only in its programming, but in its roll in promoting the arts.
THE LION KING JR.
MAY 8 @ 7:30 P.M. & MAY 9 @ 3 P.M. & 7:30 P.M. / $25
Celebrate the Circle of Life in this timeless story of courage, friendship, and destiny. Based on the 1994 animated feature film of the same name, Disney’s THE LION KING JR. is the story of Simba, an adventurous and energetic lion cub who is next in line to be king of the Pride Lands, a thriving and beautiful region in the African savanna. When Simba’s father Mufasa is killed by his uncle Scar, though, Simba is led to believe that his father’s death is his fault, and he is encouraged to run away forever. Scar seizes power and with his already unstable mind deteriorating, the Pride Lands experiences a darkness and desolation from which only Simba can save the animals of the kingdom. Featuring classic songs from the film such as “Circle of Life,” “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” “Hakuna Matata,” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” THE LION KING JR. will captivate the imagination of audiences in this inspiring, coming-of-age tale about identity, family, and responsibility.
FLOWERS WITH STYLE WITH SANDRA KIMZEY WIMBISH
THURSDAY, MAY 7 (10 A.M. – 3 P.M.) / $44 per student
Join us for this fun workshop as we study several popular art styles on our way to creating beautiful floral drawings and paintings. Learn the tips and tricks to creating your piece in pop art, Impressionism, pointillism, or monochromatic modernism styles. Mediums available to mix or create in isolation: graphite, colored pencil, ink, tempera paint, acrylic paint. Substrates provided: canvas boards, a variety of papers including Bristol board, mi-tientes textured/colored papers, mixed media, drawing papers.
COLOR P(HER)SPECTIVE
Carolina Painters’ Guild
NOW SHOWING WELBORN GALLERY
ARTIST RECEPTION MAY 14 @ 5-7 P.M. / FREE
This exhibit will bring together individual voices in a cohesive and meaningful presentation. The works shown will include pieces that utilize a monochromatic palette chosen by the artist, along with additional pieces that feature their predominant color while utilizing a broader palette.
On Display April 30 – June 26, 2026
AUDITIONS: SOMETHING ROTTEN!
FRIDAY, MAY 15 @ 6 P.M & SATURDAY, MAY 16 @ 10 A.M. @ WILLINGHAM PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY
https://www.yadkinarts.org/product/auditions-something-rotten-wpaa/
SILK GROOVE REVUE
SATURDAY, MAY 16 @ 7:30 P.M. / $25
Great Soul Music is the soundtrack to everyone’s soul. Hailing from North Carolina, Silk Groove Revue takes audiences on a journey through the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and today. Recreating classic vocal harmonies, high-energy choreography and impressive showmanship of The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Stylistics, The Manhattans and many more.
THE AMERICAN CONSTITUTION: MOVIE SCREENING & DIRECTOR Q&A
THURSDAY, MAY 28 @ 6 P.M. / FREE
See “The American Constitution” right here in Yadkinville on its national tour screening before it premiers on television! Screenings include Q&A with the director, historians, and more! Experience the groundbreaking feature film that unveils the Constitution’s dramatic creation. Set in 1787 Philadelphia, “The American Constitution” features a superb cast of actors who bring the framers to life. Best-selling authors and leading historians masterfully reveal how George Washington, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin and a cadre of unsung delegates crafted a document that changed the world.
DASHAWN & WENDY HICKMAN PRESENTS SACRED STEEL
FRIDAY, MAY 29 @ 7:30 P.M. / $25
DaShawn & Wendy Hickman share their soulful sound putting their own spin on Sacred Steel, a blues-gospel tradition that started in the Pentecostal-Holiness churches in the 1930s. Hailing from Mount Airy, N.C., DaShawn is one of today’s foremost players of Sacred Steel. He grew up hearing the pedal steel in the tiny House of God church his family attended, and listening to his mother play lap steel at home. Vocalist Wendy Hickman channels artists including Anita Baker and India Arie with a splash of Tina Turner’s raspiness.
MAKE A CERAMIC POPPY WITH AMANDA GULLATT CERAMICS
SATURDAY, MAY 30 @ 11 A.M. – 1 P.M. / $45
Come make a ceramic poppy with Amanda Gullatt Ceramics. These beautiful poppies can sit on a coffee table or hang on the wall and will make a beautiful addition to any home. Don’t like the idea of red and black for your poppy no problem you will have 12 color options to choose from to have your poppy glazed in. Class will consist of only making a poppy – glazing will be done by Amanda.
PIEDMONT OPERA PRESENTS…OPERA LITE: ABC’S OF OPERA
SUNDAY, MAY 31 @ 3 P.M. / $15
“ABCs of Opera”, the first event in the series, offers a fun and engaging introduction to opera, perfect for newcomers and longtime fans alike! Audiences will enjoy beloved favorites alongside new discoveries in a relaxed and inviting setting. After the concert, join us for a post-show talkback, where you can learn more about opera, the performing arts, and life as a working artist. After the concert, join us for a post-show talkback, where you can learn more about opera, the performing arts, and life as a working artist.
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR 2026 YADKIN ARTS COUNCIL JURIED EXHIBITION
DEADLINE TO APPLY IS JUNE 7 BY MIDNIGHT
This year we celebrate the 15th Annual Yadkin Arts Council Juried Exhibition.
This exhibition, to be featured collectively in the Welborn Gallery and Red Wall Gallery, is a celebration of some of the finest creativity in North Carolina. Eligibility for entry is open to 2D and 3D Fine Art artists that are a minimum of 18 years of age and reside in North Carolina. There will be $3,500 in combined prizes awarded to the best artists!
WE ARE LOOKING FOR FOOD TRUCKS FOR OUR ANNUAL HARVEST FESTIVAL ON SEPTEMBER 19, 2026
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN APPLYING PLEASE CALL 336-679-2941 OR EMAIL INFO@YADKINARTS.ORG
The Yadkin Arts Council is a nonprofit 501(C)3 organization dedicated to transforming lives in our community through the arts by offering opportunities to encounter, create, and participate.
Yadkin Cultural Arts Center | 226 E. Main Street | Yadkinville, NC 27055
336-679-2941 | info@yadkinarts.org | yadkinarts.org
NOTE: Feature (home page) photo is of a mural at the Yadkin Cultural Arts Center, courtesy of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area. Event information provided by the Yadkin Arts Council.
Appalachian Chronicle 