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The Pocosin Arts Center is a relatively new project managed by the North Carolina Arts Council, and is sponsored by a number of charitable organizations and local businesses that generously have dedicated a completely scenic space where local and visiting artists can thrive.
The Pocosin Arts space covers a lot of ground, both literally and figuratively, for artists and art lovers from around the world. A portion of the space is dedicated as a studio, where artists in residence can hone their craft, inspired by the incredible landscape the waterfront has to offer, and where public classes are offered to Columbia residents and visitors alike. Regular classes available in the studio include a photography workshop, pottery classes, jewelry making classes, and painting classes of all mediums, from acrylic to watercolors. Students will be guided by visiting expert and local instructors, and will have an opportunity to expand their skills in one-day sessions or six week courses. Current classes are listed and updated on the Pocosin Arts website, http://www.pocosinarts.org/studio.html.
In addition to regular classes, artists can also embark on full retreats held within the expansive Pocosin Arts center. These 2-5 day workshops focus on one medium or theme, from mixed media painting to quilting, and can serve as an idyllic retreat for anyone who needs a multi-day escape into the world of art. Again, local and visiting artists take the helm for these retreats, and offer students an immersion into a subject of choice in a perfectly scenic locale.
Visitors who would prefer to browse the talents of regional and visiting artists rather than dabble in classes themselves will be perfectly inspired by the wide open gallery space. Open to the public, the gallery features rotating exhibits by regional and national artists in all mediums. These displays change regularly, from the woodworking talents of acclaimed Asheville, NC, artist Chris Perryman to the scenic watercolors of Inner and Outer Banks painters, so frequent visitors are advised to check out the gallery space on a regular basis to see what new works are on display, and may even available for sale.
In addition to the regular classes, extensive workshops, and regular gallery displays, the Pocosin Arts Center also holds a series of special events for creative adults and kids alike. These events include youth-oriented projects, like the Summer Arts Camps, as well as seasonal crafting projects, like wreath-making or other holiday themed evening or daily classes.
The Pocosin Arts Center is located conveniently along Columbia's downtown, at 201 Main Street, and is open daily for gallery browsers from Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The gallery space is open year-round, and is free and open to anyone who wants to explore the talents of the region's best artists, and / or who wish to garner a new perspective of life in the small coastal town of Columbia.
Classes and workshops are wide open to the public as well, and can cover a broad range of mediums from mixed media, to painting, to pottery. Interested participants should check out the Pocosin Arts' website at http://www.pocosinarts.org/ for more information on upcoming retreats or individual classes and special events available.
Coastal North Carolina has a growing reputation as being an inspiring home for artists from around the world, and the Pocosin Arts Center in downtown Columbia has helped give many of these travelling creative types a home base, as well as inspire countless local residents and visitors who simply want to expand their own creative talents. Perfectly scenic and with a world of artistic pursuits to explore, the Pocosin Arts Center is just another reason why visitors of all tastes and interests are discovering that Columbia is a fantastically diverse and unique attraction along North Carolina's Inner Banks.
